Warren Clarke
British actor Warren Clarke has died aged 67 Getty

British actor David Morrissey has led the celebrity tributes to Warren Clarke following the tragic death of the Dalziel and Pascoe star.

Oldham-born Clarke passed away on 12 November after a "short illness", his agency, the Independent Talent Group, said in a statement. He was 67 years old.

In a heartfelt message posted on Twitter, Morrissey, who starred alongside the TV veteran in 2009 TV Movie 'Red Riding' described Clarke as a "Great Actor".

Hundreds of fans and fellow celebrities have also taken to social media to pay their respects.

Warren - who was also known for his roles in 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Down to Earth'- had been in the process of filming a remake of the BBC 1975 series Poldark at the time of his death.

The show which was scheduled to be broadcast in 2015, would have seen the celebrated entertainer take on the role of Charles Poldark.

"The actor Warren Clarke died peacefully in his sleep on November 12 2014, after a short illness," a spokesperson said.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. At this time we ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief."