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Former Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough has died

Actor Roy Barraclough with his MBE for services to acting and charity work Credit: Press Association

Former Coronation Street actress Julie Goodyear has led tributes to her co-star and on-screen husband, Roy Barraclough, who has died aged 81.

He was best known for his role as Alec Gilroy in the long-running soap.

Roy Barraclough played Alec Gilroy for more than 20 years. Credit: Press Association

Barraclough made his first appearance in Coronation Street in 1972 and became a series regular from 1986 to 1992.

He briefly reappeared back in the soap in 1995 and returned for a longer 1996 and 1998.

Alec was married to Rovers landlady Bet in the show. Credit: Press Association

"My dearest friend, Roy Barraclough, has passed away at 6am this morning.

"I have no words to describe how devastated I feel.

"We kept in close touch and spoke to each other at least two or three times every week.

"I will treasure all the happy times we had working and laughing together. We were just like a married couple - crazy, I know, but true.

"Rest in peace, Roy. I will always love you."

– Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch
  • VIDEO: Roy Barraclough in Coronation Street:

Coronation Street's Beverley Callard paid this tribute:

The actor from Preston was also one half of the double-act 'Cissie and Ada', with comedian Les Dawson in the 1970s and 1980s.

"Roy was a delightful person as well as a wonderful actor and will be greatly missed by all of us connected with the programme.

"The fact that the character of Alec Gilroy was at the heart of the show for so many years and was held in such affection by so many fans is a tribute to Roy's genius, for drama as well as comedy."

– Coronation Street Executive producer Kieran Roberts