Dennis Waterman died of lung cancer

Dennis Waterman's cause of death has been confirmed.

His second wife Patricia Maynard said he died at his home in Spain following a 2-year battle with lung cancer.  

The actor, best known for his role in "Minder", wanted to keep his cancer a secret and had actually been quite ill over the last couple of years.  His daughters Julia and Hannah, who played Laura Beale in Eastenders. are devastated.  

Dennis had been married 4 times but finally found true happiness when he met Pam Flint.  They were friends for 15 years before tying the knot in 2011.  Pam received lifesaving surgery herself in 2006 for bladder cancer.