An actor who appeared in many of the UK’s best-loved TV shows has died. BAFTA-winning actor Lee Montague was 97.

Michael Palin has led the tributes to the much-loved actor, whose career spanned decades, the Mirror reports. Lee appeared in iconic UK TV shows such as The Sweeney, Jackanaory, Casualty and Bergerac.

He also appeared in many films. Michael Palin said: “Very sad to hear that I shall not see Lee again. He was such good company, wise, experienced, empathetic, funny. It was always a pleasure to share a stage with him.”

Actor Robert Lindsay, who starred alongside Lee in the 1981 TV series Seconds Out, said: “I’m devastated as I regarded Lee as my theatrical Dad and I have kept in touch with him over many years.” And playwright Sir David Hare called the TV and movie star “a consummate gentleman”.

The actor was the first storyteller for classic BBC children’s TV show Jackanory and narrated 15 episodes between 1965 and 1966. He also had roles in 30 films, including How I Won the War, Brass Target and the 1952 Moulin Rouge movie.

He trained at the Old Vic School. As well as film and TV success, he also appeared on the stage. His final on-screen role was in the 2017 movie, Gatwick Gangsters.

News of his death was announced in an obituary shared by Keats Community Library, where Lee was the President For Life. The actor reportedly played an important role in saving the Hampstead Heath library.

The announcement said: “We are deeply sad to announce the death of our beloved President for Life, Lee Montague at the age of 97. Lee was a highly respected actor. He trained at the Old Vic School and worked in the early part of his career in the Royal Exchange Manchester, the Old Vic, Bristol Old Vic and Oxford Playhouse.

“Moving into film he worked with great directors (such as Zeffirelli) appearing in some 30 films including Moulin Rouge in 1952, Bill Budd, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Jesus of Nazareth with Robert Powell.” It added: “In the 70s in television he had long runs The Sweeney, Bergerac and Seconds Out with Robert Lindsay.

“He was the first storyteller on the BBC children’s programme Jackanory on 1965, narrating 15 episodes, for which he won a BAFTA. He was a huge Arsenal fan and a formidable tennis player!

“But to us, he was the saviour of the library. He saved it once before from closure by Camden, but in 2011 they closed it before announcing it, so it was Lee who formed a committee of neighbours to set up the Keats Community Library charity it is today.

“He continued to be vital to our success as he wrote many literary and biographical evenings which he performed with his fellow actors, Michael Palin, Robert Powell, Simon Callow and Janet Suzman. These were played to a full house, as is befitting!” The announcement ended by saying: “He will be greatly missed.”