A leading part in a never to be forgotten programme The Sweeney broadcast at midweek yet would pull in 12,13,14 + million viewers,people would not actually go out because The Sweeney was on that night.
Loves the early episodes of Minder, especially for the banter - some of the dialogue and badinage was superb - and the way that Terry and Arfur always eluded the constantly irascible Sgt Chisholm; every time he thought he'd got them "bang to rights", they got way with whatever scam or misdemeanour they were involved in.
With the later series, though, the comedy replaced the drama, and the story-lines became silly.
Don't forget his part in the TV film "The World Cup, A Captain's Tale". The story of West Auckland winning the Thomas Lipton Trophy (considered by some to be the First World Cup).
Rightfully lauded for his performances in The Sweeney and Minder which were classic. But I also recall him being in an excellent BBC drama called ' The Life and Loves of a She Devil ' which was filmed at the Belle Toute lighthouse near eastbourne.