Michael Keating, the actor known to millions as Reverend George Stevens in EastEnders and Vila Restal in Blake’s 7, has died aged 79. His death was confirmed by his agent to the Press Association.
Keating played Reverend Stevens on the soap from 2005 to 2017, a run that made him a familiar face to viewers who followed Albert Square’s funerals and family upheavals. He often shared scenes with Dot Cotton, played by June Brown, and was seen leading the prayers at Ronnie Mitchell’s funeral in 2017.
Born in North London in 1947, Keating began his acting career in 1966 and went on to build a long television résumé. His final TV role came in a 2009 episode of Midsomer Murders, The Dogleg Murders, where he played Derek Painter. Before that, he had already become a cult figure for science-fiction fans through Blake’s 7, in which he was the only actor to appear in all 52 episodes as Vila Restal.
That role gave him a lasting place in British television history. Keating also appeared in The Sun Makers and the audio drama The Twilight Kingdom, while later television work included roles in Yes Minister, The Bill, Casualty and London’s Burning. For many viewers, though, he was one of those actors who seemed to move easily between genres, whether in the distance of space or the routines of a weekday soap.
Tributes from fans began to spread soon after news of his death emerged. One sci-fi fan said: “Very sad to hear that Michael Keating has passed away. A genuinely lovely man, and he was absolutely brilliant in every single episode of Blake’s 7. RIP.” Another wrote: “Very sad news. Michael Keating has died aged 79. Loved him as Vila in Blake’s 7, and so many other roles ranging from EastEnders to Yes Minister.” A third said: “Michael Keating the best thief in the galaxy. Another childhood hero gone. And Vila was a hero! RIP.” The Cult Edge account added: “So terribly sad to hear reports that we’ve lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He’ll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx.”
Keating’s death closes the book on an actor whose work bridged soap opera and science fiction, and whose best-known characters stayed with viewers long after the credits rolled.
