:contrast(0):saturation(1.2)/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fecd7b75d-30cd-43ca-9138-85d9f3f0ed55 "Legendary soap star Nicholas Ball dies aged 78")
Actor Nicholas Ball, who was best known for starring in EastEnders has passed away. He was 78.
The actor, who starred as the notorious gang lord Terry Bates in the popular British soap opera, suffered a “short illness” before his death, his agent told The Independent.
Ball built an impressive filmography with an array of film and television roles over many decades.
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He, of course, starred as EastEnders‘ Bates until his character was charged with the murder of Jase Dyer (played by Stephen Lord).
He also starred as Garry Ryan in season five of the popular drama series Footballers’ Wives and the franchise’s spin-off show Footballers’ Wives: Extra Time.
The early days of Ball’s career saw him take on various projects including the 1976 British television drama The Crezz and the 1986 sci-fi horror film Lifeforce. Most notably, during that time he starred in the leading role of private detective James ‘Jim’ Hazell in the ’70s television series Hazell.
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His most recent role was as Harry Webster in the 2018 film The Krays: Dead Man Walking, directed by Richard John Taylor. Outside of his film and tv roles, Ball also leant his voice to various audio books.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues.
The official EastEnders account took to the social media platform with a picture of Ball as Terry Bates writing: “We are saddened to hear that Nicholas Ball has passed away. Our thoughts are with Nicholas’ family and friends.”
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UK-based producer and ex-colleague of Ball’s Peter Oxley shared that he was “so sad to hear” of his passing.
“[In 2018] I was lucky enough to be Exec Producer for a film Nick appeared in also met him at a party and he was always a down to earth gent that loved talking movies. For me I will always remember Nick as Hazell in the hit 70s series,” he continued.
Actor Arthur Wilde also took to X writing: “Very sad to hear about the passing of the great Nicholas Ball today. I had the honour of working with him on what will be his final role. He was warm, friendly and so very gracious. I’m honoured to have acted alongside him.”
Ball was married to actress, comedian and psychologist Pamela Stephenson between 1978 and 1984.
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