Former Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough has died, age 81

Very sad.

Roy Barraclough has died at the age of 81. The actor, who is best known for playing the Rover's Return landlord Alec Gilroy in Coronation Street, passed away following a short illness. He first appeared in the show in 1972 and was made permanent in 1986 but left the show in 1998. He was subsequently awarded an MBE for services to drama and to charity. According to The Sun, Gavin Barker Associates released the following statement:

“Our client Roy Barraclough has passed away today aged 81 after a short illness.”