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Blake's 7 Star's 13-Year EastEnders Vicar Role
11 Jun
Summary
- Keating played Vila in Blake's 7, a role loved by millions.
- He later starred as a vicar on EastEnders for 13 years.
- He was the only actor in every Blake's 7 episode.
Michael Keating, best known for his role as Vila in the BBC science-fiction series Blake's 7, has passed away at the age of 79. The actor was a consistent presence, appearing in every episode of the show from 1978 to 1981, which initially drew over 10 million viewers. His portrayal of the wily, lock-picking thief Vila was so popular that an audience poll saved the character from being written out.
Keating's career also included a significant 13-year run as the Rev George Stevens on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, starting in 2005. In this role, he officiated at weddings and funerals for major characters and provided guidance, appearing in over 50 episodes before his character retired to Australia. Earlier in his career, he trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and performed in repertory theatre and at the National Theatre.
He also had notable television appearances in Doctor Who and Yes Minister. On screen, Keating was known for his comedic gifts and light touch. His personal life saw him married to Tina Hutchinson, with whom he had a daughter, Lisa. He later married Sue Conner in 2006, and he is survived by his wife, daughter, sister Ann, and seven grandchildren.
