In a statement released through the PA news agency, his daughters Emily and Daisy Head said their father died peacefully from complications related to pneumonia while surrounded by family.

“It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many,” they said.

Head was best known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the cult supernatural drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar that aired from 1997 to 2003.

He also portrayed Rupert Mannion, the former owner of Richmond FC, in the hit comedy series Ted Lasso.

Headfirst gained prominence in the UK during the 1980s through a series of television coffee advertisements alongside actress Sharon Maughan.

In addition to acting, he was also known for his singing career and distinctive baritone voice.