DENNIS WATERMAN led tributes to his old Minder partner in crime, George Cole, who has died at the age of 90.

The veteran actor, whose career spanned more than 70 years, was working right until the end. He was planning to make a guest appearance in a new film scheduled to start shooting later this year.

Although he appeared in dozens of films and television series, he will always be remembered as the lovable rogue Arthur Daley in the TV show Minder, alongside his likeable bodyguard Terry McCann, played by Dennis Waterman.

The show ran from 1979 to 1994 and turned George Cole into a national treasure.

Some of Arthur Daley's malapropisms and sayings, such as 'the world is your lobster, my son' and 'a nice little earner' became part of the national lexicon and one, 'Er Indoors, a reference to Daley's wife, entered the English dictionary.

Minder was written as a vehicle for Dennis Waterman - fresh from The Sweeney - but Arthur's character was so strong that Cole became the bigger star.

When Waterman left to persue other offers, Minder continued without him for three more successful seasons.

Cole died in hospital with his family at his side, according to agent Derek Webster, who represents Waterman.

Mr Webster said: "It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad death of one of our most loved and respected actors.

"George Cole passed away yesterday at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after a short illness. His wife Penny and his son Toby were with him at his bedside."

Waterman, 67, said: "I am so sad to hear of George's death. His family must be devastated, and I am absolutely certain that anybody who ever knew him, will feel the same.

"I'm so grateful to have been a friend of this wonderful man. We worked together for many years and my boast is that we laughed all day every day.

"He was an amazing man, a wonderful actor and besotted with his family. I had the privilege of spending Tuesday afternoon with him and Penny and although very frail his wit was as evident as ever. Farewell old friend."