Bernard Hill's big TV return comes just hours after new of Lord of the Rings actor's death

Bernard Hill tragically died early this morning aged 79 (Image: GETTY)

Bernard Hill broke the hearts of fantasy fans all over the world when his death was announced this afternoon aged 79. The sad news broke just hours before he was set to appear in series two of BBC drama The Responder.

The first show, which stars Martin Freeman as an angsty cop, will be screened tonight as planned, but - to the devastation of those who loved Bernard - he will no longer be around to see it. He will be seen in the poignant role of Tom - the father of Martin's character Chris Carson.

Bernard's on-screen role will be to attempt to keep his son on the straight and narrow, as he finds himself embroiled in a drug war when tension spills out between two of Liverpool's most notorious dealers. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, spoke out in a statement today as he mourned the loss of one of the show's top characters.

"Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent," she declared. "From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time."

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Before his death, Bernard had expressed his joy about returning to the city he'd seen as his "second home" to film the gritty series. He'd spent many years in Liverpool in the past - and when he returned to film The Responder, he came across a theatrical performance of his former show Boys From The Black Stuff.

READ MORE: Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill dies leaving fans heartbroken [OBITUARY]

Bernard Hill as King Theoden in Lord of the Rings (Image: REX)

Watching the show on stage was emotional for her as it marked four decades since he'd starred in the compelling drama himself.

Years after that casting, he became phenomenally famous thanks to landing the role of Captain Edward Smith in Titanic, while a role as King Theoden in Lord of the Rings was to follow.

Bernard also found success in the USA, branching out into Hollywood movies such as Halle Berry horror film Gothika and Dwayne Johnson classic The Scorpion King.

However, he didn't leave British TV behind, and delighted fans with his performance in the 2015 BBC drama Wolf Hall.

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Bernard Hill as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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He portrayed the Duke of Norfolk in the first season of the show - and it saw him declared a "mesmerising actor" as he continued to build up his fanbase even in his 60s and 70s.

Mourning that Bernard did not live to see the fruits of his labour on his latest BBC show, fans paid tribute to his life and career on Twitter.

One wrote: "RIP Bernard Hill. His performance as Yosser Hughes on Boys from the Blackstuff was perfection and British television at its best."

Another agreed: "Some will be talking about this guy in Lord of the Rings, but it should really be the essential Boys from the Blackstuff. RIP the great Bernard Hill."

His death in the early hours of this morning was confirmed this afternoon by his agent, but Bernard's cause of death is so far unknown.