4 hours ago
6
Blake's 7 star Michael Keating left just £6,800 in his will after his death at the age of 79.
The actor, who was best known for his role as Vila Restal in the cult series and also played Reverend George Stevens in EastEnders, died in May following a battle with dementia.
Probate records have now revealed Michael left £141,903 in the UK reduced after liabilities to a net estate of £6,800.
The Sun report that his will left £2,000 to each of his grandchildren, and his share of any property he owned to his second wife Sue Conner during her lifetime, and then to his daughter Lisa.
Michael also left personal possessions including his theatre programmes and stamp collections to his daughter.
Michael's death was announced in May by Cult Edge - who publish Blake's 7 books - and several fan accounts on social media.
Blake's 7 star Michael Keating left just £6,800 in his will after his death at the age of 79
The official X account posted at the time: 'So terribly sad to hear reports that we've lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He'll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx'
Film producer Keith Barnfather posted on Facebook: 'MICHAEL KEATING 1947 - 2026. More sad news. The passing of the absolutely lovely MICHAEL KEATING.
'VILA was probably my favourite character in BLAKE'S 7 and it was a total blast to meet Michael properly to film his MYTH MAKERS at Winspit Quarry in Dorset.
'Such a fun, generous, kind spirit. My deepest condolences to his family and every Blake's 7 fan out there.'
In Blake's 7, Michael portrayed Vila Restal - a skilled thief and conjurer - in the space opera which was developed and written by Terry Nation, the man responsible for creating the Daleks and their leader Davros for Doctor Who.
Vila was the only character to appear in every episode of the four series which ran between 1978 and 1981.
Paul Carmichael (@PaulCarmichaelV) - the writer producer/director of Sophie Aldred's Ace Odyssey podcast - posted on X: 'So sorry to hear that Michael Keating has died. A fine actor with a wonderful career, including a recurring role in #EastEnders, but to me he will always be the wonderful Vila in #Blakes7. RIP.'
As well as his memorable role on Blake's 7, Michael was best known for playing Reverend George Stevens in BBC One soap EastEnders from 2005 to 2017.
Michael's death was announced by Cult Edge - who publish Blake's 7 books - and several fan accounts on social media
The actor, who was best known for his beloved role as Vila Restal in the cult series, also played Reverend George Stevens in EastEnders between 2005-2017 (pictured)
Reverend Stevens was a recurring character and appeared for Walford christenings, marriages and funerals as well as having interactions with regular church goer Dot Branning, who was played by the late June Brown.
Other notable acting roles included parts in Yes Minister, The Bill and Midsomer Murders, whilst he also reunited with Blake's 7 co-star Gareth Thomas in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.
English (US) ·