Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie dies aged 59

Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie has died aged 59, his family has confirmed.

Best known for playing mafia boss John Thomas 'Tommy' Hunter in the police procedural, he had also recently joined the cast of Outlander prequel, Blood Of My Blood.

His sister confirmed his death on X, writing: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.

"Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.

"We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts."

She said funeral arrangements would be announced in the days ahead.

No cause of death was given.

McCardie's agent, United Agents, paid tribute on social media, writing: "We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie's sudden death.

"He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Producer Paul Larkin posted on social media, saying he was "shocked and devastated" to learn of McCardie's death, adding: "Brian was a brilliant friend and we had many discussions about mental health issues where he was a fantastic help to me. As well as that; he was a phenomenal actor. Sleep tight Brother."

Writer Alec Bowman Clarke said he was "saddened" by the news, and wrote: "I spoke to him a few times about projects & always found him genuine, passionate, generous & funny. I wrote a part for him in a future project."

With a career stretching over three decades, McCardie had appeared in numerous TV shows over the years - but it was his role in Line Of Duty for which he was best known.

One of the show's original characters, despite Tommy Hunter meeting a violent end early in series two, the character went on to been mentioned in both series three and and series five, and was a key player in the nail-biting police corruption whodunnit.

A Scottish actor, McCardie appeared in an episode of Outlander, playing Sir Marcus MacRannoch, before being cast as the chief of Clan Grant in the forthcoming Outlander prequel.

The show, which centres around the lives of Outlander character Jamie Fraser's parents, is currently filming in Scotland according to Starz network.

He starred opposite Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama Time and in Irvine Welsh's TV series Crime in the same year.

He also appeared in Sky Atlantic's Domina, set in Ancient Rome playing Roman statesman Cicero.

His film appearances included Rob Roy, Irvine Welsh's Filth and the thriller Low Winter Sun alongside Mark Strong.