Nicholas Donnelly dead: Grange Hill’s Mr MacKenzie star dies at 83 as family pay tribute | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

“Dixon Of Dock Green was such a big part of my life that whenever anyone asked my children what their dad did, they always replied, ‘He’s a policeman!’”

Donnelly met his wife Alrun during his National Service in Germany in the late 1950s, and the couple were married for more than 60 years, welcoming two sons, twin daughters and five grandchildren.

Several of his former Grange Hill co-stars have paid tribute, with Karen Lewis penning: “This is so sad. I worked with him during my time on Grange Hill. He was the most delightful man. A gentleman and a true professional. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Nicholas.”

Another Grange Hill actor, Ricky Simmonds, added: “Nicholas was a true pro and a lovely man to work with. RIP.”