Gareth Hunt, 65; British actor was Mike Gambit on ‘The New Avengers’

Gareth Hunt, 65, a British actor best known as secret agent Mike Gambit in the 1970s spy series “The New Avengers,” died early Wednesday at his home south of London, his agent said.

Hunt had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago, said the agent, Alexandra McLean-Williams.

The London-born Hunt joined the British merchant navy at 15 and spent six years at sea before studying acting. He later appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He first gained attention playing footman Frederick Norton in the long-running TV series “Upstairs, Downstairs.”

But he is best remembered for “The New Avengers,” a sequel to the 1960s spy series “The Avengers.”

In the sequel, Patrick Macnee reprised his role as John Steed, and Hunt played Gambit and was joined by Joanna Lumley as Purdey, the series’ glamorous martial arts expert. It ran for only 26 episodes.

In later years, Hunt appeared in other British TV shows, including “EastEnders,” “Doctors” and “New Tricks.”