Yes Minister and Heartbeat actor Derek Fowlds dies, aged 82
17 January 2020, 11:32
Actor Derek Fowlds, best known for playing Bernard Woolley in classic sitcom Yes Minister, has died at the age of 82.
He was also a recognisable face to many after playing sergeant Oscar Blaketon in ITV police drama Heartbeat for 18 years, and also starred as Mr Derek on the Basil Brush Show.
Fowlds died at Royal United Hospitals Bath on Friday morning (January 17), after a period of time with pneumonia.
"You couldn't have met a nicer person ever" his assistant Helen Bennett said. "He was just a wonderful man and I will miss him terribly."
She added: "He was the most beloved man to everybody who ever met him, he never had a bad word to say about anybody and he was so well respected, adored by everyone."
Yes, Minister - Explanatory Note
Fowlds was the last surviving member of the original Yes Minister stars, following the deaths of Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington.
He starred in the police drama series Heartbeat for its entire run in the 1990s and 2000s.
The actor married twice; first to Wendy Tory, and then to Blue Peter presenter Lesley Judd. He is survived by sons Jamie and actor Jeremy.
