Blake’s 7 and EastEnders legend dies aged 79
Former Blake’s 7 and EastEenders star Michael Keating has died on the age of 79.
The English actor was beloved by sci-fi followers because of his position as Villa Restal within the cult BBC collection and the information of his passing was shared by Cult Edge – who publish Blake’s 7 books – and quite a few fan accounts on social media.
The official Cult Edge
Keith Barnfather – Film Producer at Reeltime Pictures – posted on Facebook: “MICHAEL KEATING 1947 – 2026
“More unhappy information. The passing of the completely pretty MICHAEL KEATING.
“VILA was probably my favorite character in BLAKE’S 7 and it was a total blast to meet Michael properly to film his MYTH MAKERS at Winspit Quarry in Dorset.
“Such a enjoyable, beneficiant, variety spirit. My deepest condolences to his household and each Blake’s 7 fan on the market.”
In Blake’s 7, Michael portrayed Villa Restal – a skilled thief and conjurer – in the space opera which was developed and written by Terry Nation, the man responsible for creating the Daleks and their leader Davros for Doctor Who.
Villa was the only character to appear in every episode of the four series which ran between 1978 and 1981.
Fans and Blake’s 7 enthusiasts took to social media to pay tribute to Keating,
Jason Gilchrist (@jgilchrist13) posted on X: “Farewell to actor Michael Keating.
BLAKES 7 universe has misplaced one other freedom fighter and star.
As Vila Restal #MichaelKeating introduced great lightness heat concern drama humor to character.
Vila was integral to Blake’s 7.
(*7*)
Paul Carmichael (@PaulCarmichaelV) – the author producer/director of Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey podcast – posted on
The official X account for Space Fall: A Blake’s 7 Podcast posted: “We’re both very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Keating.
“Blake’s 7 would not have been what it was with out him.
“Some of the most memorable moments were all down to him, and by all accounts he was a wonderful chap. He’ll be missed.”
As properly as his memorable position on Blake’s 7, Michael was finest identified for enjoying Reverend George Stevens in BBC One cleaning soap EastEnders from 2005 to 2017.
Reverend Stevens was a recurring character and appeared for Walford christenings, marriages and funerals in addition to having interactions with common church goer Dot Branning, who was performed by the late June Brown.
Other notable appearing roles included elements in (*79*) Minister, The Bill and Midsomer Murders, while he additionally reunited with Blake’s 7 co-star Gareth Thomas in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.
