Michael Keating death: Popular Eastenders and Blake's 7 star dies aged 79
Actor appeared as Reverend Stevens in 50 episodes of the BBC soap between 2005 and 2017
www.independent.co.ukI don’t have live-access to the latest news in this moment. Here’s what I can share based on recent reporting up to now:
- Michael Keating, known for Blake’s 7 and his later work including appearances in EastEnders, died in May 2026 at the age of 79. Several outlets reported the death on May 20–21, 2026, with his agent or representatives confirming the news. For example, multiple entertainment sites circulated tributes and noted that a formal cause of death had not been publicly released by his family or representatives.[1][3][4]
- Tributes began circulating on social media from organizations connected to his work, including Blake’s 7 publishers and fan groups, as well as fan communities associated with Doctor Who, acknowledging his role as Vila Restal and his broader career.[2][3]
- Coverage emphasized his long-running presence in British television, particularly his 12-year tenure as Reverend Stevens on EastEnders and his status as a beloved figure in sci‑fi circles, with many articles highlighting his contributions and the privacy surrounding his personal life and health in his later years.[3][4]
If you’d like, I can:
- Pull the latest updates from reputable outlets and summarize any new official statements or family notes.
- Provide direct links to the most current obituaries or tributes.
- Compile a short timeline of his career highlights for quick reference.