Britishsitcom star John Inman has passed away at the age of 71.

John became a household name when he played camp department store clerk  Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served? He was most famously known for his catchphrase �I�m free�.

The actor passed away in St Mary�s Hospital in west London after being ill for some time.

His manager Phil Dale said: "He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain.

"John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA."

John left husband Ron Lynch behind. He married his long-term partner in December 2005.