Following the news of his passing, fans of the actor took to Twitter to pay tribute.
Broadcaster Kay Burley wrote: “RIP Dennis Waterman. A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more. He was 74.
“My apologies for using the incorrect first name for Dennis in a previous tweet which I have deleted.”
Comedian Paddy McGuinness added: “Myself and my Phoenix Nights castmates used to sing the theme tune to Minder on tour and on the Karaoke!
“Gutted I never got to meet him, always wanted to be Terry McCann. Another icon from my childhood gone. RIP Dennis Waterman.”
Twitter user Barry__Calder said: “When you see things as a kid that are so awesome and heavily influence your life/career. RIP Dennis Waterman. Regan and Carter are back together again.”