Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey dies aged 71

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...y-aged-71.html

Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth dies: Actor Bill Tarmey passes away aged 71

Passing: Actor Bill Tarmey, aka Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth, has died aged 71

Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth in the soap, has died.

The actor, who was 71, passed away in Tenerife on Friday morning.

He is survived by wife Alma, son Carl and daughter Sara.

A statement from the family of the actor read: 'The family of Bill Tarmey have confirmed that he sadly passed away this morning in Tenerife.

'They have respectfully asked the media for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother.'

And a statement from ITV soap Coronation Street read: 'The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill's death.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time.'

Actor Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, shortly after the news was announced: 'I am devastated to hear that the wonderful Bill Tarmey has died. He was a beautiful, funny and lovely man, and he will be missed by us all.'

Antony Cotton - who plays Sean Tully - wrote: 'Goodnight Bill Tarmey. You were the best. We'll miss you so much x'

Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt, tweeted: 'Just heard the news about Bills death tragic news for everyone #RIPBILL'.

Nigel Pivaro, who played the Duckworths' layabout son Terry, said: 'I am devastated to learn of the passing of someone who became a huge part of both my professional and personal life, who I came to look on as a second father.

'He was a very wise and dignified man who taught me a great deal and whose counsel I came to value greatly.

'He was a lovely man who cared deeply for his family and friends. We are all rightly bereft at the loss we will feel knowing that the world will be a little poorer without Bill to lighten it up with his warm humour.'

Michael Le Vell, who has played mechanic Kevin Webster in the show for years, said: 'Bill met my dad briefly when I first joined Coronation Street. And when my dad passed away Bill became like a surrogate dad to me.

'He and Liz looked after me and got me through those early days and we've been friends ever since. My heart goes out to Ali and his family. We knew Bill was poorly, but this is still a very great shock. I am going to miss him very much.'

Tributes also flooded in from the entertainment world, with This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes writing: 'RIP Bill Tarmey aka Jack Duckworth. Known him for many years - always remembered the small things. Ruth & I getting more like Jack & Vera. (sic)'

A life-long heavy smoker, Tarmey suffered from ailing health over the years. He had a heart attack in 1976, followed by a stroke in 1977, and underwent a quintuple heart bypass in 1986.

Just a day or two after Charlie Dunn from Dad's Army, another legend from television walks away to the heavens. I don't watch Corrie anymore and haven't done for years, but I tuned in for the likes of Jack's on screen death and that of Vera - even people who don't watch the show will know these two.



RIP.

Thoughts?

[Chris]

Such a shame, he was brilliant in corrie and I'm sure he'll be missed by many. Rip.

[Samantha]

Yeah remember hearing about it yesterday . He was a great asset to the street.

[Jurv]

ah its such a shame. may he rest in peace.

[SackRace]

Such a shame! A brilliant actor will be missed.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Betty, Blanche now Jack... all the good'uns.

[GommeInc]

Betty, Blanche now Jack... all the good'uns.

I wouldn't say that Ken and Deirdre still have their little arguments which are legendary! It is a shame though, so many good actors and actresses seem to be going lately - Corrie started to become boring when Blanche left and the actress shortly dying afterwards, and now Bill is gone it seems another one from our childhood :/