JOANNA LUMLEY - AVENGERS ACTOR GARETH HUNT DIES

AVENGERS ACTOR GARETH HUNT DIES

Gareth Hunt, the actor who starred in The New Avengers, has died from cancer aged 65.

He had suffered from pancreatic cancer for the past two years.

Hunt appeared as Mike Gambit in the popular 70s television show alongside Joanna Lumley and Patrick Macnee.

His character was a top marksman and expert athlete.

A statement from his agent said that he passed away at his home in Redhill, Surrey.

"He fought the disease with great courage and through his strength of character and his wonderful sense of humour he continued to work right up until the end of 2006," the statement added.

Hunt was also known for his role in the Nescafe adverts in which he shook the coffee beans in his hands before smelling them.

Other appearances on television include roles in Upstairs Downstairs and EastEnders, in which he starred as a crime boss suspected of shooting Phil Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife Amanda and three sons.