Dennis Waterman's second wife has stated the actor died from lung cancer, after a two year battle with the disease.
Patricia Maynard paid tribute to her late husband, who she revealed died at his home in Spain.
Patricia said: "I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully.
"He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset."
The New Tricks and Minder star died at the age of 74 over the weekend while he was accompanied by his wife, Pam Flint.
Acting legend Dennis Waterman passed away over the weekend at the age of 74.
Jonathan Brady
Patricia told the Daily Mail: "The years that Dennis and I were together were happy. Obviously, it didn't work out but lots of marriages don't work out for whatever reason.
"But I'm so glad he had found the right woman at the end. I think he was very happy with Pam and she was with him when he passed."
Waterman starred as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder and he first found fame as tough nut cop George Carter in The Sweeney.
Dennis Waterman (left) is known for his performances in shows such as Minder and New Tricks.
PA
A statement from his family following his passing said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis, passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain, on Sunday afternoon, with Pam by his side.
“The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Waterman played Gerry Standing in the BBC’s New Tricks, and throughout his career other TV roles included ITV’s Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses Jones, both for the BBC.
He became well-known for singing the theme songs to many of his shows, and was caricatured by David Walliams in Little Britain as a result.
His last film role was in Never Too Late in 2020, which was filmed in Australia.
Born in London, he was educated at the Corona Theatre School, and began his showbiz career at a young age, and following a role for the Children’s Film Foundation, was invited to join Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Company.