Emmerdale's Richard Thorp dies

Emmerdale star Adele Silva has paid tribute to co-star Richard Thorp, who has died aged 81.

Adele, who plays Kelly Windsor in the soap, said on Twitter: "lovely man & coolest guy I've seen with a harley!

Emmerdale stars Meg Johnson and Samantha Giles have paid tribute to their former soap colleague Richard Thorp who died earlier today at the age of 81.

Emmerdale Series Producer Kate Oates has paid tribute to the soap's longest serving member Richard Thorp who has died at the age of 81.

"Richard's death is a sad loss to Emmerdale, of which he was at the heart for so many wonderful years. Richard had a brilliant sense of humour and he will be missed by every single member of our production whose lives he touched. " she said.

"On behalf of the cast, crew and production team at Emmerdale, we are extremely sad to hear of Richard's death. A pillar of the show, He will be greatly missed around the Emmerdale studios but will forever live on in all the wonderful memories we all have of him.

"Richard was a true professional and a complete gentleman. His charm, wit and effortless grace will be sorely missed."

The Emmerdale actor Richard Thorp has died at the age of 81.

He was the longest-serving cast member, having joined the ITV Yorkshire soap in 1982.