Ian Richardson dies

Actor Ian Richardson, renowned for his chilling portrait of Machiavellian chief whip Francis Urquhart in 1990 political thriller House of Cards, has died at the age of 72.

Richardson died in his sleep at his London home in the early hours of this morning.

His death came as a shock as he had not been ill and was due to begin filming his next role in TV show Midsomer Murders next week, his agent said. Richardson's portrayal of Urquhart was best remembered for his oft-repeated quote: "You might very well think that - I couldn't possibly comment".

His numerous television roles included Porterhouse Blue in 1987 and the TV adaptation of Tinker, Tailor Soldier, Spy.

Richardson also appeared in BBC2 drama Gormenghast.

Most recently he was the narrator in Sky One's Hogfather and he also had roles in ITV's The Booze Cruise episodes and in BBC1's Bleak House.