Coronation Street and the soap's former star Julie Goodyear have paid tribute to Roy Barraclough, following the news that he passed away today (June 1).
A spokesperson for Barraclough – who is known for his role as Bet Lynch's husband Alec Gilroy – announced that the 81-year old actor died in the early hours of this morning, following a short illness.
Barraclough's character Alec appeared on the show intermittently between 1972 and 1998, and is best remembered for his stormy marriage to Bet.
Paying tribute to her former on-screen husband today, Goodyear said: "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 2 or 3 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."
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Coronation Street added: "We are saddened to hear that Roy Barraclough has passed away. Here's an example of the warmth and love he brought to his role as Alec Gilroy."
Barraclough was seen on screens most recently last year, in a revival of classic sitcom Are You Being Served?. He also appeared in Casualty and Last Tango in Halifax.
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