Veteran actor Edward Woodward who was known for his roles in The Wicker Man and The Equalizer, died today, his agent said.

The 79-year-old, who also starred in the 1984 movie A Christmas Carol – filmed in Shrewsbury – had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia. He died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Mr Woodward’s agent Janet Glass released a statement praising his “brave spirit and wonderful humour”.

It said: “Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions such as Breaker Morant, The Wicker Man, Callan, The Equalizer and many more, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.

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“He was further sustained by the love of his wife, Michele, children, Tim, Peter, Sarah and Emily, his grandchildren and numerous friends. His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives.”

His friend Shrewsbury town crier Martin Wood, who played Mr Woodward’s double in A Christmas Carol, said he had been left “gutted” by the news.

The pair became close during filming for the movie and kept in regular contact with each other.

Mr Wood said: “Myself and my wife Sue went to stay with Edward and his wife Michele at their home. He helped me a lot with breathing techniques and voice projection for my role as town crier.

“I am gutted to hear of his death and we will phone Michele later on and have a chat with her. I really am upset about it.”