In memoriam James Beck: the Dad's Army star cut off in his prime

This piece of mine appears in today's Daily Telegraph

James Beck, aka Private Walker, died 40 years ago today. Neil Clark pays tribute

On 6 August 1973, James Beck, who played the Cockney spiv Private Walker in Dad’s Army, died at the age of 44. Ironically, he was the first member of the predominantly elderly ensemble to die. A highly accomplished actor, it seemed that he was set for a successful career as a character player. However, an addiction to alcohol cost him his life.

You can read the whole article here.