ACTOR Peter Gilmore, who headed the cast of BBC seafaring drama The Onedin Line, has died aged 81.

The star, who also appeared in a number of Carry On films, died at the Trinity Hospice in London after a long illness.

German-born Gilmore also clocked up appearances in TV dramas such as Doctor Who, The Persuaders, Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Heartbeat.

But he will be best remembered for his portrayal of James Onedin in The Onedin Line.

Gilmore was married to actress Una Stubbs for more than a decade and went on to marry Anne Stallybrass, who played his wife in the show.