Actor Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth in ITV soap opera Coronation Street, has died.
Tarmey, 71, left the soap in 2010 after more than 30 years in the show.
His family confirmed that he died in Tenerife, Spain, on Friday, and asked for "privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother".
Liz Dawn, who played his on-screen wife Vera Duckworth, said: "You couldn't wish to meet a more lovely man and a true gentleman."
A statement from Coronation Street said the cast, crew and production team were "devastated" to learn of his death.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time," it said.
Tarmey was married to his childhood sweetheart Alison for 50 years and they had two children.
As well as suffering ill health himself, Tarmey eventually left Coronation Street to help care for his son Carl, who was battling a brain tumour.
Was never a big fan of Corrie, but whenever i did watch it he was one of the characters you'd really enjoy watching, sounds like he was a top fella off screen too. RIP.
