TV legend Roy Barraclough has passed away today at the age of 81.
Best known as one of the landlords of the Rovers Return pub on Coronation Street, his career spanned five decades.
Starring as Alec Gilroy in the ITV soap, he originally started as a bit part in the 70s. He became a permanent face on the cobbles in the 80s when his character got married to Bet Lynch, played by the formidable Julie Goodyear.
His management company, Gavin Barker Associates, released a statement earlier today which read: “Our client Roy Barraclough has passed away today aged 81 after a short illness.”
As well as his star-making role on Corrie, Barraclough also had a famous comedy partnership with Les Dawson – the two of them appearing as two old ladies in various sketches.
He received an MBE in 2006 for services to drama and to charity in the North West.
His old Corrie co-star Julie Goodyear led the celebrity tributes today, writing a heartfelt statement about her friend.
It read: “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.”
Charlotte Dawson, daughter of his old comedy partner, tweeted a touching sentiment: “I’m devastated. At least you get to be reunited with my daddy.”
Even Matt Lucas, who worked with the actor on Pompidou, had some kind words to say: “Lovely man, brilliant actor.”
Coronation Street’s Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts, announced that tonight’s episode would be dedicated to Roy: “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.”
This story first appeared on Closer
