Former Blake’s 7 and EastEnders\u00a0star Michael Keating has died at the age of 79.<\/p>\n
The actor, who was best known for his beloved role as\u00a0Vila Restal in the cult series, also played Reverend George Stevens in the BBC soap opera between 2005-2017.<\/p>\n
Michael’s death was announced by Cult Edge – who publish Blake’s 7 books – and several fan accounts on social media.<\/p>\n
The official X account posted: ‘So terribly sad to hear reports that we’ve lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He’ll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx’<\/p>\n
Film producer Keith Barnfather posted on Facebook: ‘MICHAEL KEATING 1947 – 2026. More sad news. The passing of the absolutely lovely MICHAEL KEATING.<\/p>\n
‘VILA was probably my favourite character in BLAKE’S 7 and it was a total blast to meet Michael properly to film his MYTH MAKERS at Winspit Quarry in Dorset.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Former Blake’s 7 and EastEnders star Michael Keating has died at the age of 79<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Michael’s death was announced by Cult Edge – who publish Blake’s 7 books – and several fan accounts on social media.<\/p>\n
‘Such a fun, generous, kind spirit. My deepest condolences to his family and every Blake’s 7 fan out there.’<\/p>\n
In Blake’s 7, Michael portrayed Vila Restal – a skilled thief and conjurer – in the space opera which was developed and written by Terry Nation, the man responsible for creating the Daleks and their leader Davros for Doctor Who.<\/p>\n
Villa was the only character to appear in every episode of the four series which ran between 1978 and 1981.<\/p>\n
Fans and Blake’s 7 enthusiasts took to social media to pay tribute to Keating.<\/p>\n
Jason Gilchrist (@jgilchrist13) posted on X: ‘Farewell to actor Michael Keating.<\/p>\n
BLAKES 7 universe has lost another freedom fighter and star.<\/p>\n
As Vila Restal #MichaelKeating brought wonderful lightness warmth fear drama & humour to character.<\/p>\n
Vila was integral to Blake’s 7.<\/p>\n
‘I raise a glass of Adrenaline & Soma to you. #Blakes7’<\/p>\n
Paul Carmichael (@PaulCarmichaelV) – the writer producer\/director of Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey podcast – posted on X: ‘So sorry to hear that Michael Keating has died. A fine actor with a wonderful career, including a recurring role in #EastEnders, but to me he will always be the wonderful Vila in #Blakes7. RIP.’<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The actor, who was best known for his beloved role as Vila Restal in the cult series, also played Reverend George Stevens in the BBC soap opera between 2005-2017 (pictured)<\/p>\n
The official X account for Space Fall: A Blake’s 7 Podcast posted: ‘We’re both very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Keating.<\/p>\n
‘Blake’s 7 wouldn’t have been what it was without him.<\/p>\n
‘Some of the most memorable moments were all down to him, and by all accounts he was a wonderful chap. He’ll be missed.’<\/p>\n
As well as his memorable role on Blake’s 7, Michael was best known for playing Reverend George Stevens in BBC One soap EastEnders from 2005 to 2017.<\/p>\n
Reverend Stevens was a recurring character and appeared for Walford christenings, marriages and funerals as well as having interactions with regular church goer Dot Branning, who was played by the late June Brown.<\/p>\n
Other notable acting roles included parts in Yes Minister, The Bill and Midsomer Murders, whilst he also reunited with Blake’s 7 co-star Gareth Thomas in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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