Actor John Inman, most famous for the comedy Are You Being Served?, has died in London aged 71, his spokesman said.

Inman made his name in the 1970s show as Mr Humphries, whose catchphrase "I'm free!" entered popular culture.

The Preston-born actor died in hospital and had been suffering from a Hepatitis A infection for some time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6429425.stm

That show was a hoot when I first saw it on PBS. I had a thing for the young clerk.

Great show and he was a very funny guy.

A great comedy actor. I liked his character since the first time, I saw ARE YOU BEING SERVED? What an actor, to play Mr. Humphries, and his mother. Got to leave now, or I will cry.