The Bill’s Ben Roberts dies aged 70: Friends mourn TV and film star best known for playing Chief Inspector Derek Conway in long-running police drama
- Ben Roberts was in The Bill from 1987 to 2000 as Chief Inspector Derek Conway
- He passed away on Monday, aged 70, according to his agents LCM Limited
- Roberts, originally from Bangor, in Wales, also starred in Doctors and Casualty
Ben Roberts, best known for playing Chief Inspector Derek Conway in The Bill, has died, according to his agent.
The actor who starred in the hit ITV drama from 1987 to 2000, is said to have passed away on Monday, aged 70.
Roberts, who is originally from Bangor, in Wales, also appeared in other well-known TV dramas including Doctors and Casualty.
In a statement by LCM Limited, released on Twitter, his agents said: ‘Remembering the wonderful Ben Roberts who sadly passed away on Monday.
Ben Roberts, who starred in the hit ITV drama from 1987 to 2000, is said to have passed away on Monday, aged 70
Roberts, who is originally from Bangor, in Wales, also appeared in other well-known TV dramas including Doctors and Casualty. Pictured: Roberts (right) playing Chief Inspector Conway in The Bill
‘Best known as Chief Inspector Derek Conway in The Bill & he had an extensive career in theatre, TV & film.
‘Our thoughts are with his wife Helen and family at this time.’
Born Bennett Roberts in July 1950, he landed his first proper TV gig in the television series ‘A Woman’s Place’ – starring alongside Ralph Bates.
He later landed roles in crime-action drama The Professionals, before playing an extra in Doctor Who in 1984.
It was in 1987 where he landed his best known role, as Chief Inspector Derek Conway on ITV crime-drama The Bill.
He would play the role for 13 years, until leaving the show in 2000.
Roberts continued to act and held roles in day-time television, apperining as two different characters in Doctors, once in 2010 and then in 2012.
He also starred as Briggs in Cary Fukunaga’s 2011 romantic-drama Jane Eyre.
His last major television role was in 2016, when he played Isaac Sandison in medical-drama Casualty.
In 2019 he featured in the Danish biographical film ‘Daniel’ – his last listed acting job.
Roberts was married to the award winning audiobook narrator Helen Lloyd, with whom he lived in Derbyshire.
He leaves behind one son, Joe, and one granddaughter, Elsie.
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