Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough dies aged 81 following short illness

Jennifer Ruby1 June 2017
The Weekender

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Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough has died at the age of 81.

The veteran soap star, who played Rovers Return landlord Alec Gilroy, died following a short illness.

He died at the Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester, where he had been a patron for more than 20 years.

Gavin Barker Associates said in a statement: "Our client Roy Barraclough has passed away today aged 81 after a short illness."

Honoured: Roy Barraclough gets his MBE in 2006  
Rex

Barraclough starred in the ITV soap on and off for more than 20 years, first playing the character back in 1972 and stepping down from the programme for the last time in 1998.

His character was best known for his passionate marriage to landlady Bet Lynch, played by Julie Goodyear, leaving the cobbles to go and set up a wine bar in Brighton.

The Lancashire-born actor was part of comedy double act Cissie and Ada alongside Les Dawson for much of the 1970s, as well as appearing in sitcoms including Rising Damp and George and Mildred.

Roy Barraclough - In pictures

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After leaving Corrie in 1998, Barraclough played roles on shows including All the Small Things, Last Tango in Halifax and Funland.

He played the iconic role of Mr Grainger in the 2016 reboot of Are You Being Served?

Barraclough was awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to drama and to charity in the North West.

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