Michael Keating, a cherished actor known for his roles in the BBC One soap EastEnders and the iconic sci-fi series Blake's 7, has passed away at the age of 79. Keating portrayed Reverend Stevens in EastEnders from 2005 to 2017, often sharing scenes with June Brown's beloved character, Dot Cotton. He gained fame as Vila Restal in Blake's 7, a role he held throughout the series' original run from 1978 to 1981. His versatility also saw him appear in Doctor Who, Casualty, and Midsomer Murders. The news of his death was shared by Cult Edge, the publisher of Blake's 7 books, who expressed their sorrow on social media, stating, "What a wonderful man. He’ll be hugely missed." Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, highlighting his warmth and comedic talent. Peter Anghelides, a producer for Blake's 7, reminisced about Keating's joyful presence and his significant impact on the series. A fan noted, "As Vila Restal, Michael Keating brought wonderful lightness, warmth, fear, drama, and humor to the character," reflecting the affection many held for him.