Games Of Thrones actor Ian Gelder has died at the age of 74.

His death was announced by his husband, fellow actor Ben Daniels, who paid tribute to the "kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being". Daniels, 59, said Gelder was his "absolute rock" during their relationship of more than 30 years.

The British actor, who played Kevan Lannister in the hit fantasy drama series, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer last December and died just after 1pm on Monday, Daniels said. The star wrote on social media: "It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I'm leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder." Alongside his announcement on Instagram, Daniels shared a picture of the couple which he said was taken at Christmas after Gelder had left hospital.

Daniels said that "even though he'd gone through the worst three weeks there you can still see his joy and love shining through". Gelder first played Kevan Lannister in the opening season of Game Of Thrones in 2011.

He was the younger brother of Lord Tywin Lannister, and was one of his most loyal and trusted officers in the Lannister armies. After a noticeable absence, Gelder reprised his character in later seasons, meeting his demise in the final episode of season six.

During his decades-long career, the actor also starred as Mr Dekker in Torchwood: Children Of Earth, as well as guest starring as Charles, the Librarian scholar in His Dark Materials, and Zellin in Doctor Who. Read more from Sky News:Grease star who played Patty Simcox diesShooting at rapper's mansion leaves guard with life-threatening injuriesWill Abba holograms perform at Eurovision? Daniels said he had stopped work to be his carer "but neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast".

He added that Gelder was "the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being". "He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light." "I honestly don't know what I'll do without him by my side.

He coped with his dreadful illness with such bravery, with no self pity. Ever.

He was remarkable and will be so missed.".