Dad's Army actor dies

Colin Bean, who played Private Sponge has died, aged 82.

13:56 23 June 2009

'Dad's Army' actor Colin Bean has died, aged 82.

Bean, who played Private Sponge for nine years in the hit World War II comedy, died in Wigan Infirmary.

He had been living in Wickham Hall Care Home in Springfield for the last year.

Bean's most recent public appearance was at a reunion of the 'Dad's Army' Appreciation Society last year.

Starting his acting career in the theatre for many years, it was there he was eventually spotted by Jimmy Perry - one of the creators of 'Dad's Army' - and given a part in the series.

Bean also had roles in roles in 'Z Cars', 'The Liver Birds' and a guest appearance on 'Are You Being Served?'.