Leslie Phillips: Carry On and Harry Potter actor died at the age of 98

Leslie Phillips, well known for his roles in the Carry On flicks, died at the age of 98 after a protracted illness.

Phillips was also known to younger fans as the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter movie.

"I've lost a fantastic husband, and the audience has lost a very amazing showman," his wife Zara told the Sun.

"He was truly a national treasure." Everyone adored him. Everywhere he went, he was swarmed.

Jonathan Lloyd, Phillips' representative, revealed the actor died peacefully in his sleep on Monday.

Over the course of his eight-decade career, the comedic actor appeared in over 200 films, television shows, and radio shows.

"Ding dong," a reference to his character Jack Bell's moniker in 1959's Carry on Nurse, "I say," and "Well, hello," which he uttered with provocative tone, were among his catchphrases.

Despite the fact that he only appeared in four of the 31 Carry On films, the actor said that his renowned catchphrases followed him for the remainder of his career.

Jim Dale, 86, is the last living regular from the Carry On films, having died two years after Barbara Windsor.

Tony Maudsley, who worked with Phillips on Coronation Street, was among those who paid respect, tweeting: "RIP Leslie Phillips." It was a pleasure to work with him. And, yeah, he said DING DONG (as I asked)."

On his own BBC programme, The Kumars at No. 42, actor and comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar posted a video of the "great" Phillips recalling how he once found himself stranded on the London Underground besieged by members of the public demanding he do his catchphrases.

He was remembered by Bhaskar as "a very kind, witty, and loving man."

Irvine Welsh, the author of Trainspotting, paid tribute to Phillips, with whom he exchanged conversations online, adding he "always adored his pater."

Piers Morgan, a broadcaster, called it "terrible news," characterising Phillips as a "great character and terrific comedic performer."

Melanie Blake, the author, added: "Another legend has passed on. Thank you for the amusement, elderly man."

Phillips was born in Tottenham, north London, and spoke estuary English, despite his plummy accent and exaggerated representations of the English upper class.

He attended Italia Conti Stage School before joining the Durham Light Infantry as a lieutenant from 1942 to 1945, when he was invalided out.

His initial film performances were in the 1930s, but it wasn't until later in his career, in 1959 and 1960, that he played in Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher, and Carry On Constable.

He rose to popularity in the Doctor picture franchise, following Dirk Bogarde in 1960's Doctor in Love, as well as a series of fast-paced comedies in which he co-starred with Scots comic and impressionist Stanley Baxter.

In addition to Brothers in Law, he appeared in The Smallest Show on Earth and The Man Who Liked Funerals.

He co-hosted the hit BBC radio programme The Navy Lark with Ronnie Barker and Jon Pertwee for 17 years.

He also appeared in serious parts, notably a Bafta-nominated performance alongside Peter O'Toole in Venus in 2006.

Phillips, a long-time Tottenham Hotspur supporter, made an appearance on the ground as part of the half-time entertainment at the team's home match versus Swansea City in 2012.

Phillips received an OBE in the 1998 Birthday Honours list and a CBE in the 2008 New Year's Honours list.

At the age of 90, the actor suffered two strokes six months apart.