Doctor Who and Emmerdale star Richard Franklin dies on Christmas Day, aged 87

Doctor Who and Emmerdale star Richard Franklin has died from an undisclosed long-term illness on Christmas Day, aged 87

The news was confirmed by a spokesperson for his family in a statement, which was obtained by the PA news ageny.

Franklin, best known for playing Captain Mike Yates in the long-running BBC series, “sadly died in his sleep after fighting long-term illness” according to the statement.

“We are deeply saddened by his loss, we will fondly remember him for his generosity, creative spirit and fantastic story telling,” the message read. “He is also well remembered outside the family for his long-running career in TV and theatre where he delighted audiences of all ages.

“This gave him great joy and we know his legacy will last.”

Franklin “passed away peacefully in his sleep”, according to Liam Rudden, a friend of the late actor.

Rudden, who had been given his first professional acting job by the stage and screen star, announced the news when he posted to the late TV star’s social media page on Monday.

On X/Twitter, he wrote: “It is with great sadness, that the family of Richard Franklin have asked me to share news of his passing, early this morning.

“Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared here when announced. Sleep well Richard. #RIP – Liam Rudden.”

In a post to his own social media account, Rudden said he was “devastated”, adding: “Farewell to a mentor and friend.”

Born in west London’s Marylebone on 15 January 1936, Franklin enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1963 and began his acting career on stage at the Century Theatre in Coalville in Leicestershire.

After landing the role of Joe Townsen on British soap Crossroads in 1969, Franklin was cast as UNIT member Captain Mike Yates on Doctor Who during Jon Pertwee’s reign as the Time Lord in the Seventies.

An adjutant in the fictional military organisation, Yates helped the doctor and his companions ward off alien invasions of Earth, with Franklin appearing in episodes from 1971 until 1974.

In 2002, Franklin wrote The Killing Stone, a novel with Yates as its protagonist, which was released as an audio book narrated by the late actor.

It was later published as Operation HATE by Fantom Films in 2013, after Franklin removed all references to the original characters from Doctor Who to avoid copyright infringement claims.

Franklin also unsuccessfully stood as a parliamentary candidate for a number of parties, including the Liberal Democrats and the UKIP, as well as founding the Silent Majority Party.