The Scottish TV actor Kenny Ireland, who played the role of Donald Swinger in the ITV comedy series 'Benidorm,' passed away at the age of 68 in the early hours of Thursday, July 31.

The actor's agent has released a statement that Kenny Ireland has died in the morning. The Scottish actor was said to have been sick with cancer for a while now.

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ITV, the network that airs the show "Benidorm" where he's become most famous, also released a statement, saying, "We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time."

The actor, who played the randy Donald Stewart in the comedy show, helped boost its success from the first episode. The show was loved by many fans in Europe due to the actor's character,

"He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on 'Benidorm' but by the millions of fans out there."

'Benidorm' is a British sitcom written by Derren Litten that makes use of the working class stereotypes of the popular Spanish city with the same name.

Prior to 2007 when the sitcom began filming, Kenny Ireland also appeared in shows such as 'Taggart', 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet' and 'House of Cards'. The actor also played a role opposite renowned actor Liam Neeson in 'The Big Man'.

Tiger Aspect, the production company that Kenny Ireland works with, said, "We are all very sad to learn of the death of Kenny Ireland. As one of the original 'Benidorm' cast members, Kenny has been a valued and much loved member of the Tiger Aspect family over the past ten years. His character Donald Stewart is one of the funniest, most enduring comic creations in television history."

People who have worked with Kenny Ireland said they would miss the delight of working with him.

TagsKenny Ireland, Benidorm, death