Actor Gorden Kaye, best known for his role in the long-running sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!, has died aged 75.

https://twitter.com/vickimichelle/status/823567449492783105

Kaye played cafe owner Rene Artois on the hit show, which was set in a small-town in German-occupied France during World War Two and filmed at Lynford Hall near Mundford.

The star's agent confirmed he died on Monday but made no further comment

He appeared in all 84 episodes of the hit sitcom, as well as a stage version.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorden Kaye, Allo Allo returns December 5th, 1986. Picture: Archant LibraryGorden Kaye, Allo Allo returns December 5th, 1986. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

He also appeared in Are You Being Served? and Born and Bred with his last screen role in the BBC sketch show Revolver in 2004.

In 1990 he nearly died in a freak accident which left him with severe head injuries when a piece of wood crashed through his car windscreen in a storm.

Of the incident he once said: 'I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.'

Eastern Daily Press: Gorden Kaye as Rene. Picture: Archant LibraryGorden Kaye as Rene. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

The BBC paid tribute to the 'terrific comic actor'.

Shane Allen, the controller of BBC comedy commissioning, said: 'Gorden Kaye was a terrific comic actor whose signature role, Rene Artois, earned his place in the comedy hall of fame.

'He was instrumental in making 'Allo 'Allo such a long-running and well-loved series. His work lives on and thoughts are with friends and loved ones at this sad time.'

Eastern Daily Press: Gorden Kaye and Vicki Michelle at Theatre Royal, Norwich. Picture: Archant LibraryGorden Kaye and Vicki Michelle at Theatre Royal, Norwich. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

His former co-star Vicki Michelle, who played Yvette Carte-Blanche in 'Allo 'Allo! posted a moving tribute on Twitter alongside a photo of the pair.

She wrote: 'So sad to hear news of Gorden Kaye.

'A brilliantly talented actor consummate professional, loved the world over.'

Eastern Daily Press: Actor Gorden Kaye. Picture: Archant LibraryActor Gorden Kaye. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

She added: 'There'll never be another Rene.'

Celebrity astrologer Russell Grant said he was 'sad' to hear the news in a post on Twitter.

He added: 'He was such a fine character actor and brought much joy to many.'

Eastern Daily Press: Gorden Kaye. Picture: Archant LibraryGorden Kaye. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

• What are your memories of Gorden Kaye? Let us know by commenting below.

Eastern Daily Press: Arthur Bostrom (as Officer Crabtree) and Gordon Kaye (as Rene Artois) ©1991 BBCArthur Bostrom (as Officer Crabtree) and Gordon Kaye (as Rene Artois) ©1991 BBC