Gwen Taylor has paid tribute to her former Duty Free on-screen husband, Keith Barron, following his death aged 83.

The actor and comic – who also starred in Dennis Potter’s The Nigel Barton Plays and 1975 Hollywood film The Land That Time Forgot – died after a short illness, his agent confirmed.

Barron enjoyed a “long and varied career … of which he was immensely proud”, the statement said referencing his many roles across television which included appearances in Coronation Street, Casualty, DCI Banks, Doctors, Holby City and Benidorm.

But it was 80s sitcom Duty Free where he garnered his reputation as a much-loved star.

Set in Spain, the ITV show ran for three series from 1984 until 1986 with Barron starring as gruff northerner David Pearce alongside Taylor as his wife Amy.

Taylor told the Press Association news of Barron’s death was “quite a blow”.

She added: “I have just heard the news my old friend and colleague has died.

“Keith was such a kind and lovely man and don’t think I’ve met anyone that would disagree.

“My thoughts and prayers go to his loving wife Mary and his son Jamie – whom meant so much to him.”

In 2014, Barron toured with fellow original cast members Taylor and Neil Stacy in a stage version of Duty Free.

Sunetra Sarker – who starred with Barron in Casualty – also paid tribute to the actor.

She wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear of dear friend #KeithBarron passing away. One of a kind. Guaranteed laughter. Shall never forget those days. Old school,” alongside a snap of the two on the set of Casualty.

The actor is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary and his son, James, also an actor.

Keith Barron (AHA Talent )

The TV stalwart was born in South Yorkshire in 1934 and, after national service in the RAF, joined an amateur dramatics group also attended by Brian Blessed.

He later moved to London, where he performed in the series of Potter plays and later transferred the role to the small screen for Stand Up Nigel Barton, and Vote, Vote, Vote For Nigel Barton in the mid-60s.

Chairman of Elstree Studios Morris Bright paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Deeply saddened at passing of the great actor Keith Barron.

“He was a good friend of the industry and of @ElstreeStudios. We knew he had been unwell. Last met him at Elstree in 2009.

“A true gentleman.”