Satellite City and Pobol y Cwm actor Islwyn Morris dies

Islwyn Morris playing the role of Captain Bevan in the 1968 BBC drama Byd a Betws

Tributes have been paid to Welsh actor Islwyn Morris who has died aged 90.

He was best known to many for his role as Idris in the BBC Wales comedy Satellite City which was made in the 1990s.

He also appeared in High Hopes and played the part of David Tushingham in the Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm.

Boyd Clack, who wrote and also starred in Satellite City, said Swansea-born Mr Morris was "a great actor" and "a great man."

Mr Morris began his acting career in repertory theatre.

Early television appearances included Z Cars and The District Nurse.

Mr Clack said: "I worked with Islwyn on Satellite City for six years.

"Islwyn was a great actor, a great man, it was an honour to have known him and worked with him.

"He played my father in Satellite City. I lost my father when I was young and I thought of him in a few ways as being a father figure.

"For the first time he became recognised by people in Wales - he thought it was funny, he quite enjoyed it.

"He was very much a family man and his faith meant a lot to him. Being with him was a constant pleasure."

Mr Morris, who died on Tuesday, appeared in Pobol y Cwm over 25 years.

Keith Jones, Director of BBC Wales, said he was one of Wales' most loved actors.

"Subtle comedy"

"As 'Tush' he was one of the defining faces of Pobol y Cwm, alongside characters such as Bella and Harri Parry," he said.

"He brought warmth and subtle comedy to this role and many other roles for the BBC.

"In recent years, he became popular with a new and different audience through the comedy series Satellite City and High Hopes.

"I'd like to pay tribute to his artistry and to the great contribution he made to BBC Cymru Wales drama."

Bethan Jones, BBC Wales' Acting Head of Drama said: "Islwyn Morris was a wonderful actor who created memorable characters including the very dapper Mr Tushingham in Pobol y Cwm and the loveable Idris Price in the popular comedy Satellite City.

"Islwyn will always be remembered not only for his notable acting talent but for also being a true gentleman."