Tributes pour in for Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray

Tributes have been pouring in for Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray, who has died aged 68.

Murray played the character Mickey Pearce, the dim-witted friend of David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst’s Rodney Trotter, across 20 episodes of the BBC comedy series between 1983 and 2003.

Only Fools and Horses follows brothers and traders Del Boy and Rodney as they attempt to buy and sell whatever they can with the hopes of becoming rich.

Murray revealed he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2021 and had an operation to remove a lung tumour in its early stages, followed by chemotherapy, in January 2022.

The BBC has paid tribute to the late actor, with a spokesperson saying, "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Patrick Murray, much loved for his role as Mickey in Only Fools And Horses. Our thoughts are with his friends and family."

Fellow Only Fools and Horses co-stars David Jason, who played Del Boy, and Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in the sitcom, also paid tribute to Murray.

Sue Holding wrote, "R.I.P., darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed." with David Jason saying he is "very saddened" to hear of Murray's passing.

Patrick Murray died last night, surrounded by his friends and family.