Kenny Ireland has died aged 68.
The ‘Benidorm’ actor – who played swinger Donald Stewart in the ITV comedy – passed away today (31.07.14) following a battle with cancer.
The tragic news was confirmed by Scotland’s Royal Lyceum Theatre, where Kenny was creative director for over a decade until 2003.
The theatre said in a statement: "We are greatly saddened to learn today that Kenny Ireland, Artistic Director of The Lyceum from 1992-2003 passed away this morning."
Kenny was written out of the upcoming series of ‘Benidorm’ last month in order to focus on his recovery.
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: "We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time.
"He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on ‘Benidorm’ but by the millions of fans out there.
"He appeared as Donald Stewart in ‘Benidorm’ from the first episode and helped play a huge part in its success. He will be greatly missed."
As well as ‘Benidorm’, the Scottish star appeared in ‘Victoria Wood As Seen on TV’, ‘Taggart’, ‘Drop the Dead Donkey’ and ‘Heartbeat’.
Kenny Ireland dies aged 68
