Professional Lewis Collins Dies

Professional star Lewis Collins has died at the age of 67 after battling cancer for five years.

15:29 29 November 2013

Professional Lewis Collins has died at the age of 67 following a five-year battle against cancer. His agent said: "He died peacefully at his LA home surrounded by his family. Privacy is asked for at this very sad time."

 

Collins played Bodie in the cult 1970s TV series alongside Martin Shaw. The show was based around the adventure of a fictional crime-fighting unit called CI5. 

 

Shaw said: "We spent a very tough four years together in making the Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British television.”

"He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him."

Meanwhile, Brian Clemens, creator of The Professionals, said: "I thought he would have made a marvellous Bond. He was tough and he could fight, he looked good, he was handsome and he had this nice sense of humour.

"I knew he had auditioned [for James Bond] and I think they were wrong not to take him up."