Mickey Pearce for ever

Castmates mourn sitcom legend

- BY MARK JEFFERIES

ON Only Fools and Horses, he was a young wheeler dealer, propping up the bar at the Nag's Head while bragging about his success with both business and women.

But off it, Patrick Murray - who played Mickey Pearce in the iconic BBC sitcom was a warm, talented and generous man.

The actor, who has died of cancer aged 68, was loved by fans in his 20 appearances alongside Del Boy, Rodney and the rest of the regulars.

His family, who were with him in his last moments, said: "Patrick's sharp timing and unforgettable turn as Del Boy's rakish mate made Mickey Pearce a fan favourite across generations.

"He cherished meeting fans and he remained immensely proud of his connection to the show." Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, Patrick's breakthrough role came in 1979 film Scum, alongside Ray Winstone.

He played a canny, sharp-witted negotiator surviving in a brutal environment ruled by thugs. Like the charismatic Mickey, it was a role well-suited to Patrick.

The same year, he appeared in Quadrophenia - along with an ensemble cast of young British acting talents.

But it is as Mickey that he will always be remembered.