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Dennis Waterman's ex-wife reveals cause of death

<p dir="ltr">The ex-wife of beloved <em>Minder</em> star Dennis Waterman has revealed his cause of death after dying at the age of 74.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-minder-star-dennis-waterman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legendary actor passed away</a> in bed with his wife Pam beside him and it has only now been revealed that he suffered a two year battle with lung cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">His ex-wife and mother of his two daughters Patricia Maynard revealed the cause of his death a few days later. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully,” she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10802353/Dennis-Watermans-second-wife-Patricia-says-passed-away-peacefully-lung-cancer-battle.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MailOnline</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Patricia went on to reflect on her relationship with the legendary star saying that despite it not working out, at least he was happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The years that Dennis and I were together were happy. Obviously, it didn't work out but lots of marriages don't work out for whatever reason,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I'm so glad he had found the right woman at the end. I think he was very happy with Pam and she was with him when he passed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dennis’s death was announced on Sunday with the family releasing a statement for privacy as tributes flowed through.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">His daughter, EastEnders star Hannah Waterman, also took to Instagram to share a heartwarming throwback photo of Dennis cradling her as a baby.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Me and my Dad! Gosh how I loved him. X,” the 46-year-old captioned the photo. </p> <p dir="ltr">The post was met with several tributes to the late actor who starred in <em>Minder, The Sweeney, New Tricks, Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales</em> and <em>Moses</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’m so sorry for your loss, Hannah. My late ex-husband worked with your Dad on Stay Lucky and often talked about the laughs they had x Dennis Waterman was a national treasure xxx,” one person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Very sorry for your loss Hannah, may Dennis RIP. I love watching the Sweeney and Minder time to time and Dennis was brilliant in both. Let's Chelsea win the Cup for him on Saturday,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’m so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences to you. My Dad worked with him four times on stage and screen", a third remembered,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Tributes flow for Minder star Dennis Waterman

<p>Legendary tough-guy actor Dennis Waterman has passed away at the age of 74.</p> <p>One of the most popular television actors of the 1970s and 80s, Waterman starred as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder after first finding fame as tough nut cop George Carter in The Sweeney.</p> <p>In more recent years, he starred as Gerry Standing in the BBC’s New Tricks, and throughout his career other TV roles included ITV’s Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses Jones, both for the BBC.</p> <p>In a statement, his family shared that he passed away in Spain with his wife Pam at his side.</p> <p>They stated: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.'</p> <p>A number of tributes have flooded in as news broke of Waterman's death:</p> <p>Producer Jonathan Sothcott tweeted: 'Dennis Waterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor.</p> <p>'Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.'</p> <p>Actor Stuart Anthony said: 'Dennis Waterman has left us. What a fantastic talent and lovely man. Such a loss to the industry. RIP.'</p> <p>Newsreader Kay Burley posted: 'A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more.'</p> <p>DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles also today reminisced about a charity golf trip he took alongside Waterman.</p> <p>Knowles tweeted: 'I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman - I'm not much of a golfer - he was - but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip. A genuinely lovely guy. RIP.' </p> <p>Journalist John Sweeney tweeted: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. The Sweeney was everything great TV drama should be: gritty, honest, true.'</p> <p>Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith added: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on "New Tricks" he made me the best cups of tea.</p> <p>'And of course I just spent the time grilling him about "Scars of Dracula".'</p> <p>Former Eastenders actor Craig Fairbrass said: 'Truly upset &amp; gutted hearing this news. I loved him - my days will never be the same watching ITV4 Sweeney &amp; Minder. Quality classic TV. RIP Dennis x'</p> <p>Minder was later revived by Channel 5 in 2009, but Waterman did not return for the new season. Other career highlights included numerous stints on the stage and he played Alfred Doolittle in a Royal National Theatre production of My Fair Lady, as well as starring in a tour production of Don't Dress For Dinner.</p> <p>His talents did not end with acting and he had a keen interest in music, having recorded albums and singles, including songs which charted in Australia, New Zealand and Britain.</p> <p>The final project of his acting career came in 2020 in the form of Australian drama-comedy film Never Too Late. </p> <p>Waterman married his fourth wife Pam Flint in 2011 after being friends for many years and they remained together until his passing.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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Aussie babysitter charged with 194 sex offences

<p>Jareth Harries-Markham, a 23-year-old man from Western Australia, has been charged with 194 sex offences involving a dozen children he molested when he was working as a childminder.</p> <p>Police say Harries-Markham advertised his services online on a site and then allegedly sexually assaulted his victims while babysitting them.</p> <p>The alleged victims are aged between eight months and nine years old, and are said to have happened between July last year and August this year.</p> <p>Harries-Markham was arrested in August and initially charged with 14 offences, but in a Perth Magistrate’s Court on Monday, it was revealed he is now facing a total of 194 charges relating to nine separate alleged victims.</p> <p><strong>Charges include possessing prohibited weapons</strong></p> <p>These charges include the sexual penetration of a child under 13, indecently dealing with a child under 13, possessing and producing child exploitation material, and possessing prohibited and controlled weapons.</p> <p>The 23-year-old appeared in court via video link but only spoke to confirm his name.</p> <p>Harries-Markham advertised his services on WeNeedANanny.com, describing himself as someone who loved “helping bring up kids to be the best they can be”.</p> <p>He said he had four years’ experience in babysitting, a ‘Working With Children’ check, a police check and a certificate in first aid.</p> <p>‘I’m a pretty easy-going guy who is open to care for any age any hours,’ he wrote on the website.</p> <p>‘Open to handling things anyway the family wants,’ he added.</p> <p>Harries-Markham will be back in court again on October 18.</p> <p><em>Image: 7News</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Legal

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I’ve rented out my home and become a pet minder

<p><em><strong>Over60 community member, Wendy Dooley, writes about her experience of going from house to house as a pet minder and making some unexpected (furry) friends along the way.</strong></em></p><p>No pets, no worries. When I retired, I really didn't want to just sit in my house all along but I didn't have a pet and so I felt restless after working so hard for so long.&nbsp; So I decided to join a couple of house sitting agencies. Bingo! I have been minding other peoples' pets non-stop since February this year. My house is rented out, which helps too. It's interesting, exciting – sometimes challenging (note to self: remember not to leave slippers within puppy reach!) – but certainly never boring journey.&nbsp;</p><p>The great thing I have found it that you get to choose what assignments you wish to take (e.g. you might prefer small lap dogs, or hate cats or only love lizards) – there are so many choices for both singles or couples. For instance, want to do it for a weekend? A day here or there? Or fancy life in the country or the city?&nbsp; Short and long-term assignments are there for the asking.&nbsp;</p><p>So far I have had the wonderful experience of looking after little dogs, big boofy dogs,&nbsp;fish (not very exciting but good for meditative moments), cats oozing personality, fluffy cats, aloof cats and a grumpy old cat who, despite everything, decided it loved me after all. Every animal has adored me (or appeared to).&nbsp;After all,&nbsp;I feed them – they like me!&nbsp;Simple. What more could anyone ask for but undivided love even if it comes with the "feed me'' condition? I know zip about horses and cows so tend to avoid any animal bigger than myself.</p><p>I admit it's always difficult saying goodbye to the pets you've been minding. You do become attached but you know you have to move on and there will be an equally cute, loveable cat/dog at the next assignment. But while you have them, you enjoy their personalities. So often I have found a little dog or cat curled up in my suitcase as I was packing, or even sitting in the car, expectantly waiting for me and I have to admit those scenarios do choke me up a bit.&nbsp;</p><p>As for their antics, I have never laughed so much as when I was on the Gold Coast, minding Siamese cats, Frida and Franki. These two honestly thought they were human and insisted on helping to unpack suitcases, do the laundry and of course, don't forget the housework… how fascinating is a swiftly moving duster is? I found myself chatting away to them, as if they were really human beings and they had me in stitches with their funny cat routines. Frida and Franki reminded me of having toddlers all over again – wherever I was, these two were close by. The owners should rent out these two to anyone who is feeling sad as those furry felines guarantee spontaneous smiles.</p><p>Now for anyone who is feeling lonely: borrow a dog and take it for a walk. It doesn't seem to matter if it's small, large, scruffy or sleek, people interact with animals more easily, it seems, than with fellow humans. You will get lots of comments and social interaction if you want it. I have managed to meet new friends at every town, just by taking dogs for a walk.</p><p>Minding pets whilst their owners are away is not only extremely satisfying, it lets me explore, through a resident's eyes, little towns and cities that I wouldn't normally see. I have a car and just drive wherever, whenever – this year I have only concentrated on the Australian east coast but already have house sits confirmed for the UK, commencing January next year. I never anticipated my life would go in this direction, that's for sure. Although I don't get paid, I have found that it can be a very inexpensive way to live as you are living without accommodation and utility costs. Besides, I don't believe in barriers, once you're over a hurdle it was never that big to start with. &nbsp;</p><p>So don't let the lack of owning a permanent pet stop you from enjoying animals. Just borrow someone else's!&nbsp;</p>

Family & Pets

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