TV stars have been paying tribute to actor and comedian Mike Reid who died of a heart attack on Sunday.

Reid became a household name for his role as loveable wheeler dealer Frank Butcher on EastEnders after joining the soap in 1987.

The 67-year-old was apparently in good health before he died suddenly in Spain.

Fellow comic and close friend Frank Carson said the news of his death was "absolutely devastating".

Entertainer Russ Abbot said Reid was a great storyteller who had a great sense of comic timing.

"There are certain comedians who do one-liners but Mike was a story-teller and a great deliverer," he said.

Reid started his career in showbusiness as a stunt double, standing in for Roger Moore in The Saint.

He then moved on to comedy, making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian in clubs and aboard cruise liners.

He rose to fame in 1973 when he landed a role as one of the original stars of The Comedians, one of the most popular TV series of the 1970s.

Stars of EastEnders have lined-up to praise their former cast member.

Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell in the soap, said: "Mike was a lovely man and a good actor. He gave me a lot of advice which has often helped me."

Actor Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, said: "Mike used to brighten up long filming days keeping the cast and crew laughing.

"I can remember him on Runaround when I was a kid and was so chuffed when he joined the cast."

Pam St Clements, who had a turbulent relationship with Frank as his on-screen wife Pat, said: "I'm sorry to lose such a dear friend and colleague and my thoughts are with Shirley.

"It has come as a terrible shock. Somebody larger than life as Mike, as a person and character, seemed indestructible."