Actor Warren Mitchell, best known for starring as Alf Garnett, has died aged 89.

A statement from the Till Death Us Do Part star’s family said: “Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday November 14 surrounded by his family.

Warren Mitchell and wife Connie (PA Wire)
Warren Mitchell and wife Connie (PA Wire)

“He has been in poor health for some time, but was cracking jokes to the last.”

Social media was flooded with tributes following the news of the TV star’s death.

Another fan wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of Warren Mitchell. Socialist through and through, terrific actor and inspiration #RIP”

Born Warren Misell in north London’s Stoke Newington, he served in the Royal Air Force and then went on to read physics at University College, Oxford.

Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnet (right) in the comedy series 'Til Death Do Us Part with Anthony Booth as son in law Mike, Una Stubbs as daughter Rita and Dandy Nichols as Else during the recording of an episode of the show. (PA Wire)
Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnet (right) in the comedy series ‘Til Death Do Us Part with Anthony Booth as son in law Mike, Una Stubbs as daughter Rita and Dandy Nichols as Else during the recording of an episode of the show. (PA Wire)

He never finished the course and took up acting in 1951 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

His role as Alf Garnett was his big break, and the controversial character came to be much-loved by the British public.

Off-screen, Mitchell was an ardent Tottenham Hotspur supporter, but his character Garnett was a West Ham United fan.