Coronation Street star Roy Barraclough MBE, who played landlord Alec Gilroy and husband to show legend Bet, has died at the age of 81, following a short illness. His agent confirmed the news of his passing this morning.

The actor was born in 1935 and starred as Alec between the years of 1972 and 1998. He is also well known for his double act Cissie and Ada with comedian Les Dawson.

His last acting role was as Mr Granger in the 2016 remake of Are You Being Served? He was awarded an MBE for his services to drama and charity in the North West in 2006.



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Alec and Bet Gilroy were an iconic Coronation Street duo, known for their constant bickering and hilarious comedy scenes. Alec’s miserable and miserly attitude was a perfect contrast to Bet’s lively and vivacious outlook on life but it was destined to fail when Bet refused to move away with Alec when he got a new job in 1992.

He returned in 1996 and, after a while, started a bitter war with Jack and Vera Duckworth after he edged them out of the Rovers. He eventually sold the pub again to Natalie Barnes and left the Street for good.

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 pic.twitter.com/yfEhxpJ4Aj — Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 1, 2017

Recently, Roy had admitted that he no longer watches the show that he was a part of for decades. And in 2016, he warned that the move to six episodes would be ‘overkill’.

Coronation Street 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.’

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