The role he played was noted as a heel European wrestler and often went by the nicknames "The Man You Love to Hate", "Rugged South London Tough Guy" and "The Dulwich Destroyer".

He began training as a wrestler, and during the Second World War helped teach Royal Air Force personnel in the sport.

Losing to Peter Preston by disqualification during his later years, he lost the European Middleweight title on television to a younger wrestler Mal Sanders.

He later worked in public relations, owned The Royal Hotel pub (closed in 2009) in Stoughton, Guildford, Surrey, and became a connoisseur of antique porcelain.

Joe D'Orazio, president of the British Wrestlers Reunion, said: I am deeply saddened to announce the death of the legend that was Mick McManus, who passed away at 1am this morning.

Even the arrival of his old friend Lord Attenborough recently, failed to lift his spirits, refusing all food and drink until he quietly slipped into a coma three days ago.

In his prime, McManus went by the names of "The Man You Love To Hate" and "Rugged South London Tough Guy".