Michael Keating Dies Aged 79, EastEnders and Blakes 7 Actor

Actor Michael Keating, known for his long-running role as Reverend Stevens in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and as Vila Restal in the science fiction series Blakes 7, has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed in a social media post by Cult Edge, a publisher of Blakes 7 books.

Keating portrayed the local vicar on EastEnders from 2005 until 2017, becoming a familiar presence at weddings, christenings, and funerals in Albert Square. His character frequently interacted with the devout Dot Cotton, played by the late June Brown. His final appearance saw Reverend Stevens telling Dot he was retiring and moving to Australia to live with his daughter.

His television career spanned decades and included roles in some of Britain's most enduring series. He was the only actor to appear in all 52 episodes of Blakes 7, which aired from 1978 to 1981, playing the popular character Vila Restal, a skilled but reluctant thief. Keating also appeared in the long-running series Doctor Who, playing Goudry in the 1977 serial "The Sun Makers" and later participating in audio dramas for the franchise.

Born in London in 1947, Keating began his acting career in 1966. His extensive list of credits...