Former Coronation Street legend Roy Barraclough dies aged 81
Former Coronation Street legend Roy Barraclough has died aged 81.
The actor, who played penny-pinching Alec Gilroy in the ITV soap for more than 20 years, passed away this morning after a short illness.
He was best known for being the landlord of the Rovers Return and his tempestuous marriage to on-screen wife Bet Lynch.
His friend and co-star Julie Goodyear, who played Bet, said she felt "devastated" and would treasure all the happy times they had together.
In a statement, she added: "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."
Barraclough left the soap after his character sold the Rovers to set up a wine bar in Brighton with granddaughter Vicky - the first wife of Steve McDonald.
Coronation Street said Thursday night's episode would be dedicated to his memory.
The soap's executive producer Kieran Roberts paid tribute to the actor saying: "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."
Barraclough's other TV work includes roles in Rising Damp, George and Mildred, Casualty, Last Of The Summer Wine and Last Tango In Halifax.
Last year, he appeared in the BBC's one-off tribute to Are You Being Served? as Mr Grainger.
In the 1970s he was also one half a double act with Les Dawson in which they played two grotesque ladies 'of a certain age'.
Dawson played Ada Shufflebotham while Barraclough played Cissie, the more 'refined' of the two.
In 2006, Barraclough was awarded the MBE for services to drama and his charity work.
His philanthropic efforts included more than 20 years as a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester.
He died at the hospice following his illness.
After a career spanning more than 55 years, Barraclough amassed friends across the show business industry.
Comedian Matt Lucas posted a picture of the pair filming for 2015 show Pompidou and wrote: "Happy days with Roy Barraclough on 'Pompidou'. Lovely man, brilliant actor."