Actor Dave Atkins, perhaps best known for his role as the seedy pub landlord in Men Behaving Badly, has died.

Mr Atkins lived for most of his life in South Oxhey and enjoyed a fruitful career in television, film and on stage, including a performance at The Old Vic theatre during the 1970s.

Sadly, after long-term heart and lung problems, he passed away at his home in Northwick Road on St George's Day, April 23. He was 67. Mr Atkins leaves two sisters, four nephews, two nieces, three great-nieces and one great-nephew.

Mr Atkins grew up in South Oxhey when he moved to the new estate with his parents, sisters Hilda and Margaret, and his brother Charlie, from Paddington in 1949.

Hilda said: "Dave was totally enchanted when we moved here. We had lived with six people in a three-room flat and it was a wonderland. We have often talked over the years about how he couldn't believe the fields and the woods."

A former pupil of Warren Dell Primary School and Watford Grammar School for Boys, Mr Atkins first caught the acting bug when he joined the New Revue Company about 51 years ago. The group rehearsed in Bushey before performing in St John's Hall, St John's Road, Watford.

After leaving school, Mr Atkins began working in commercial art and later installed televisions, but it was through his school friend Mickey Jones, who was director of Theatre in Education (TIE) at Watford Palace Theatre, that he returned to drama.

Hilda said: "He encouraged Dave. Dave was in his late 20s but became a mature student at Reading to become a teacher. Now he was a teacher he could get into TIE and that would get him an Equity card to perform."

Mr Atkins became an assistant director at the Palace Theatre, and was also involved with Theatre Yard and The Village Company, who used to perform in schools across Watford.

Through adverts and auditions, Mr Atkins then embarked on a career in television and film.

Though best known for his role as Les the pub landlord in Men Behaving Badly, he also had roles in The Sweeney, The Bill and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

Hilda said: "The one I felt proudest of was when he was in St Joan at The Old Vic, with Eileen Atkins and Geoffrey Palmer."

Mr Atkins was a lifelong Watford Football Club supporter, enjoyed golf and cricket. He also loved reading, classical music and jazz, and was a very keen amateur photographer.

Hilda's husband Terry Seabrooke, a magician and entertainer, said Mr Atkins loved being in showbusiness.

He said: "He loved being an actor. Before he made it, he used to like going on my shows and meeting people. Once he told Roy Hudd he would be appearing at the Old Vic. And many, many years later he was, which was lovely.

"Anything he did, he did 100 per cent, even going back to his amateur Revue days. He was dedicated at what he did. He took it all in his stride. He was a great guy."

Mr Atkins was a regular at the Dick Whittington pub in Prestwick Road, South Oxhey, and landlady Carol Flanagan described him as a "larger than life character".

She said: "He was great fun and a marvellous storyteller."

Friend Jem Barnes, from Hindhead in Surrey, went to Watford Boys with Mr Atkins.

He said: "He was a good guy, Dave. One of the good ones. He went to the doctor once, who told him to halve his drinking. So he went out that night and had ten pints.

"He was a tremendous, together, funny guy."

Mr Atkins' niece Diane Seabrooke said her uncle will be remembered with great affection.

She said: "He was larger than life. We will always remember him with a drink. No-one was allowed to buy one. He was very generous."

Hilda added: "He's going to leave a big hole in our lives."

Mr Atkins's funeral will take place at Breakspear Crematourium, Ruislip, at noon on May 7. A reception will be held at the Dick Whittington pub, Prestwick Road, South Oxhey. All are welcome.