Dispatches by Telegram Bell

Checking notification support…

LAMAMIMET

Departures of Note

Departure of Note

Michael Keating

Portrait of Michael Keating
Plate · source unattributed

Doctor Who star Michael Keating has died at the age of 79.

3 Reports

Particulars

Michael Keating was born on 10 February 1947 in Edmonton, London, and began his acting career in the mid‑1960s, appearing in various television productions and stage roles. He gained early recognition with a guest part in the 1977 Doctor Who serial The Sun Makers.

He achieved lasting fame as Vila Restal, the roguish thief who appeared in every episode of the cult science‑fiction series Blake's 7 (1978–1981). The role made him a recognizable face in British television, and he later returned to the Doctor Who universe in audio dramas for Big Finish Productions. Keating also appeared in a 1981 episode of the sitcom Yes Minister.

From 2005 to 2017, Keating portrayed Reverend George Stevens in the long‑running BBC soap EastEnders, appearing intermittently in storylines involving church ceremonies. He continued to work in radio and audio drama, contributing to several Doctor Who adventures and other projects.

Michael Keating died in May 2026 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances across television, radio, and audio drama.

Compiled from source reports and Wikipedia. Automated record.

Sources Cited

  1. Michael Keating — WikipediaWikipediaReference
  2. ‘Doctor Who’ star Michael Keating dead at 79pagesix-celebrity-news

The Register is compiled continuously from public dispatches. Times indicate when each report first reached the Register, not the moment of departure. The Registrar makes no claim of completeness or of accuracy; particulars are drawn from early and unconfirmed reports, and may later prove mistaken.