The last picture ever taken of Only Fools and Horses legend Patrick Murray showed the actor flashing a brave thumbs up to the camera from his hospice bed. The snap was taken by a fan whose father shared a ward with the Mickey Pearce actor at Wisdom Hospice, where Patrick was battling lung cancer.

In the snap, a cheery Patrick smiled at the camera while wearing a black trilby and a T-shirt – and still sporting his iconic moustache. The post was shared by Redbridge councillor Paul Canal, who leads the Conservative Party in the Bridge ward. He explained that Patrick gave him a signed photo and introduced him to his wife and daughter four weeks before he died.

He penned: “My father shared a ward at Wisdom Hospice with ‘Mickey Pearce’, AKA Patrick Murray. On my first visit to dad four weeks ago he gave me a signed photo, which I will frame.

“I also met his lovely wife Anong and their beautiful daughter Josie. It was a wonderful family.”

He added: “Condolences and love to all the family and friends. In the picture, ‘Mickey’ is wearing my hat!”

Patrick died at the age of just 68, with the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society sharing the news to Facebook. A statement said: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death of our friend Patrick Murray - Mickey Pearce to so many.

“He was a regular attendee of our conventions and we will miss his humour and the joy he bought to many. Sleep well Pat!”