“His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come.

“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions. We will dedicate this year’s tour to his memory.

“Our thoughts and love are with Ian’s wonderful wife Miki, their family and close friends.”

Tributes from far and wide have since poured in for Lavender, with one fan writing on X: “RIP Ian Lavender. And with his sad passing, we’ve now lost the entire regular/supporting cast of Dad’s Army. Truly the end of an era.”

1/2 We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful, Ian Lavender. In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast. His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come… pic.twitter.com/pOgwfaBCje

— Dad’s Army Radio Show (@DadsArmyRadio) February 5, 2024

Lavender starred in all 80 episodes of Dad’s Army alongside castmates Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, John Laurie, Clive Dunn and Arnold Ridley.

His CV also boasted a long-running stint on BBC soap EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, in which he bagged over 240 credits.

Elsewhere in recent years, Lavender enjoyed bit-part roles in the likes of Doctors, Holby City and Casualty.