Paddy McGuinness leads tributes to Rodney Litchfield

Paddy McGuinness has led tributes to Rodney Litchfield, who has died aged 81.

The \'Early Doors\' actor - who played pessimistic pensioner Old Tommy in the BBC sitcom - passed away "peacefully" in his sleep on Saturday (05.09.20) after being "poorly for some time", according to the show\'s co-writer Phil Mealey.

He wrote on Twitter: "Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time. We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won\'t be the same without you. RIPx (sic)"

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Paddy wrote: "RIP Rodney Lichfield aka Wild Bill in Phoenix Nights. (sic)"

Mark Benton - who played Eddie Bell in \'Early Doors\' - wrote: "RIP Rodney. To the regiment... (sic)"

Christine Bottomley - who played Melanie Dixon - posted: "Sorry to here one of our Earlydoors family has left the building x will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield #OldTommy will miss you mate x (sic)"

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Rodney also starred in \'Peter Kay\'s Phoenix Nights\', alongside

Rodney was also no stranger to soaps, appearing in \'Coronation Street\' as Wilfred Morton, the grandfather of Jodie Morton, who was portrayed by Samantha Seager.

And he starred in \'Doctors\' in 2004 and \'Casualty\' in 2003.

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What\'s more, the actor had small parts in the likes of \'A Touch of Frost\', \'Heartbeat\', \'Cracker\', and \'Hetty Wainthropp Investigates\'.