Michael Angelis, best known for starring in TV dramas such as Boys From The Blackstuff, has died at the age of 76.

The actor, who also narrated children’s show Thomas & Friends, died suddenly on Saturday (May 30) while at home with his wife, his agent said.

“Michael Angelis was one of the greatest TV actors I’ve ever seen,” comedian Matt Lucas said, paying tribute to the actor on Twitter.

Michael Angelis was one of the greatest TV actors I've ever seen. His work with Alan Bleasdale was tremendous. What a loss.

— realmattlucas (@RealMattLucas) May 30, 2020

Born in Liverpool in 1944, Angelis trained at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, before taking on roles in TV shows such as World’s End, G.B.H., The Marksman, Minder, and  The Liver Birds. He also appeared as Mickey Startup in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

He was best known for starring alongside Bernard Hill and Julie Walters in the Bafta-winning 1980s series Boys From The Blackstuff, which highlighted the hardships of unemployment.

Angelis lent his voice to Thomas & Friends for 13 series after taking over from Beatles drummer Ringo Starr in 1991.

He was married to Coronation Street actress Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, from 1991 to 2001, and later married Jennifer Khalastchi.

“RIP Michael Angelis, the heart of Boys from The Blackstuff,” producer Jack Thorne said of Angelis. “There’s a moment in it that made my heart stop, his kids are starving, he finds £5. He goes out, buys chips, lager & whisky.”

RIP Michael Angelis, the heart of Boys from The Blackstuff. There's a moment in it that made my heart stop, his kids are starving, he finds £5. He goes out, buys chips, lager & whisky. Clip not online but here's the script, imagine an incredible performance full of self hatred: pic.twitter.com/MeJZ2X7ZGW

— Jack Thorne (@jackthorne) May 31, 2020

Comedy writer Simon Blackwell added: “Sad to hear that the great Michael Angelis has died. Exquisite and moving in Boys From The Black Stuff, enormously funny as Lucien in The Liver Birds.”

Sad to hear that the great Michael Angelis has died. Exquisite and moving in Boys From The Black Stuff, enormously funny as Lucien in The Liver Birds.

— Simon Blackwell (@simonblackwell) May 30, 2020

See more tributes to Michael Angelis below:

Vale Michael Angelis….awesome in Boys From The Blackstuff, excellent in No Surrender, and iconic when he took over the narrator role in Thomas The Tank Engine…an epic loss. pic.twitter.com/RLFbjMemnj

— Myles Davies (@mylesdavies) May 31, 2020

Actor Michael Angelis, best known for Boys from the Black Stuff, G.B.H and the former UK narrator of the British children's television series Thomas and Friends from 1991 to 2012 has died aged 76 pic.twitter.com/r1VOpKOWOQ

— Zora Suleman (@ZoraSuleman) May 30, 2020

V sad to hear reports of the death of actor Michael Angelis at 76

Remember him best as the rabbit loving brother Lucien in The Liver Birds

As well as classic dramas Boys From The Blackstuff and GBH

Not to mention his narrating Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends post Ringo Starr pic.twitter.com/9crpUvdHGu

— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba) May 30, 2020

sadly another terrific actor & lovely soul has gone on his awfully big adventure #MichaelAngelis leaving a wonderful legacy Thomas the tank Engine boysfromtheBlackstuff &so much more ❤️

— KatyManning Official (@ManningOfficial) May 31, 2020

The Boys from the Blackstuff was such a significant drama when growing up in 80’s Liverpool. Michael Angelis was fantastic as Chrissie #RIP https://t.co/tWWdahYwXk

— Paula Barker MP (@PaulaBarkerMP) May 31, 2020