Alan Rothwell, an original cast member of ITV‘s Coronation Street, has passed away at the age of 89, his family has confirmed.
Rothwell was best known for portraying David Barlow, brother to Ken Barlow (played by William Roache), from the soap’s debut in 1960 until 1969.
He died peacefully in hospital on Thursday following a short illness.
A family statement shared with the Press Association said the actor would be “fondly remembered and deeply missed”.
The statement read: “Alan was a professional radio, television, film and stage actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years.
“Alan died peacefully in hospital following a short illness.
“Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
“He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.”
Born in Oldham in 1937, Rothwell was a prolific actor in the 1960s, appearing in TV series such as Gideon’s Way and The Villains.
His role on Coronation Street was written with him in mind as the creator Tony Warren had worked with him during their childhoods on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour.
Roache paid tribute to the actor, saying: “I am very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing.
“He and I worked together on the very first episodes of Coronation Street, which was such a wonderful time, I got to know him well over the years, he was a very good actor and a delightful man.
“I send my thoughts and condolences to his family.”
Rothwell also starred in the Channel 4 soap Brookside as Nicholas Black in the 1980s and became a familiar face to generations of viewers as the presenter of the long-running children’s television programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.
A spokesperson for Coronation Street said: “We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.
“He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.”
In more recent years Rothwell was seen in 2013’s Alan Partridge, Alpha Papa, and A Song For Jenny.
He also made appearances in Doctors, Rovers and The Musketeers.