Birmingham-born Lavender became a household name thanks to his role as Private Pike in the BBC sitcom.

The Dad’s Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77.

Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom.

But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic.

Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series.

Away from Dad’s Army, he also acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, and appeared on stage, including in The Merchant of Venice.

He also had a stint on EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a role he reprised in 2016 for a festive storyline.