Eric Sykes is to appear in Holby City, becoming the third comic to land a straight role in the medical drama

The 79-year-old star will play the husband of a woman with Alzheimer's in an episode next year.

His appearance will follow that of Leslie Phillips, who plays the alcoholic father of Tom (Denis Lawson) in a Boxing Day episode, and Graeme Garden, who will appear as a surgeon.

A Holby City source told The Sunday Mirror: "We are delighted to have Eric for a powerful and serious role."