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Coronation Street's Roy Barraclough dies

Sarah

Sarah

Moderator Emerita
Comic actor Roy Barraclough, best known for playing Coronation Street's Alec Gilroy, has died at the age of 81.

His agent said he died on Thursday, after a short illness.

Barraclough was seen on screens most recently last year, in a revival of classic sitcom Are You Being Served?.

The Lancashire-born actor of stage and screen had also appeared in Last Tango in Halifax.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40119752
 
Ome

Ome

Admin Emeritus
Coronation Street will dedicate tonight's episode (June 1) to Roy Barraclough, after the actor passed away earlier today.

A spokesperson for Barraclough – who is known for his role as Bet Lynch's husband Alec Gilroy – announced that the 81-year old 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.

Coronation Street and Julie Goodyear – who plays Bet – have paid tribute to the "delightful" Barraclough, and the show will now dedicate Thursday night's episode to his memory.


Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "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. Tonight's episode of Coronation Street will be dedicated to his memory."

Julie 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 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. Rest in peace Roy. I will always love you."

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.
 
Sarah

Sarah

Moderator Emerita
Oh God, I've spent the whole day thinking this was that guy who licked his lips - Reg Holdsworth. :oops:
 
Spells & Karma

Spells & Karma

Admin
I had a bit of a lump in my throat when I heard this on R4 earlier.

Roy's name appearing as a guest-star in a comedy show such as George & Mildred or Rising Damp always guaranteed value for money. This is as good a reason as any to give a little shout out to Pardon My Genie, which I watched for the first time last year.


When I went to see Corrie! - the play based on the series - Roy was the guest-narrator and he was really on fire. His reaction of mock outrage on witnessing the send up of Alec was hilarious. I'm glad I got to see him do his thing on stage.
 
Barbara Fan

Barbara Fan

Admin
oh RIP Roy Barraclough, loved Bet and Alec and also cant forget his double act with Les Dawson as Cissy and Ada

I once saw him on Charing Cross Road wearing a blue duffel coat and we both headed into Borders books

An hour later i saw Peter Baldwin aka Derek Wilton in Covent garden - it was surreal!

RIP Roy - thats when Corrie had great characters and comedy, and double acts
sadly lacking now!
 
Barbara Fan

Barbara Fan

Admin
I actually found it quite sad watching the old Corrie clips.

Back then there were great characters, actors, comedy couples and above all else humour and northern wit

Where has that all gone?? Where are the. Bet and Alecs, Jack and Veras etc now.

Corrie is full of rather underwhelming youngsters who arent in the same league.
 
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