Emmerdale veteran Richard Thorp has died at the age of 81. The actor, who appeared in the classic British film The Dambusters, was the longest serving cast member on the ITV Yorkshire soap having joined Emmerdale in 1982.
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."
Emmerdale stars and other well-known faces from the soap world have been paying tribute to Richard Thorp following news of his death
Richard Thorp who has died at the age of 81 had an acting career spanning more than 60 years.