Michael Keating, the actor known for roles in EastEnders and the sci-fi series Blake’s 7, has died at the age of 79.
The London-born actor played Reverend Stevens on the BBC soap between 2005 and 2017.
He also appeared in series such as Yes Minister, Casualty and Midsomer Murders, as well as Doctor Who.
Keating also leant his voice to multiple Doctor Who audio projects, produced by Big Finish. On their website, Big Finish described the actor as “one of the most recognisable and best-loved faces in British science fiction”.
On Blake’s 7, Keating played the roguish thief Vila Restal from 1978 to 1981, becoming the only cast member to appear in all 52 episodes of the BBC show.
He later reprised the role in an audio series. Producer Peter Anghelides said in a statement: “What a joy it was to work with Michael. Little did I realise when first encountering him at BBC Television Centre in 1981 that some three decades later I would be writing and producing Big Finish Blake’s 7 audio stories for him as Vila Restal.
“His cheery presence on studio days was always most welcome. I would sit at the back of the Audio Sorcery control room hooting with laughter at his comic timing in our recordings.”
Keating was also known for his work on stage, which included a part in Alan Bleasdale’s 1985 play Are You Lonesome Tonight, about Elvis Presley, during its original staging at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End.
Cult Edge, the publisher of multiple Blake’s 7 books, shared a tribute on X, which read: “So terribly sad to hear reports that we’ve lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He’ll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Other fans and former collaborators have shared tributes online to the late actor in the wake of his death.
“Very sad to hear that Michael Keating has passed away,” one person wrote. “A genuinely lovely man, and he was absolutely brilliant in every single episode of Blake’s 7. RIP.”
“Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of another legend taken too soon,” wrote another. “He may have had other roles but none as iconic as Villa in Blake’s 7. Michael Keating RIP.”