BBC viewers were left in tears as they watched Bernard Hill’s final TV appearance in The Responder.
The launch of the hit show’s second series aired tonight – hours after the popular actor’s death was announced.
The 79-year-old was best known for his iconic roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings.
He also featured in stand-out hits like Boys from the Black Stuff and Gandhi.
Bernard passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning on the day The Responder returned to prime time television.
Before the programme aired, a tribute was paid to the legendary actor who played Tom Carson, Chris’ father, in the new series starring Martin Freeman.
One fan said: “RIP wonderful Bernard Hill, tears welling as always with this powerful performance.”
Another wrote: “Poignant seeing Bernard Hill in the Responder on BBC1 on the day he passed away.”
Someone else said: “Couldn’t have had a more perfect tribute for Bernard Hill. Brilliant two-hander scene with Martin Freeman. Great writing.”
Another added: “Very odd, I was watching the The Responder tonight on the telly.
“It was weird. but wonderful to see Bernard Hill on the telly on the very day that his death was announced. RIP [Sir] Bernard Hill.”
A viewer said: “Awww Bernard Hill in #TheResponder so sad.”
Another added: “Strange seeing Bernard Hill appear in #TheResponder as Martin Freeman’s dad on the day he passed away. RIP Yosser.”
Bernard played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic.
He also went on to star as King Théoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The late actor was married to Marianna Hill, an American actress best known for her work in Western films like El Condor and High Plains Drifter.
The couple shared a son called Gabriel and a daughter together.
Bernard and Marianna resided in Suffolk, England prior to his tragic death.