Corrie star Roy Barraclough has died, aged 81, after a short illness

Roy Barraclough
(Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

Roy Barraclough, who so memorably played Alec Gilroy in the ITV soap, has passed away

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

A spokesman for the Lancashire-born actor said he died on Thursday following a short illness.

A star of both stage and screen, Barraclough was best known for his long-running role as Alec Gilroy in the ITV soap.

Roy Barraclough

 

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

He appeared as a talent agent in Corrie in the early 1970s before becoming a regular face on the cobbles from 1986 until 1992 and returning again in 1996 for two years.

As Gilroy, he was best known for his stormy marriage to Bet Lynch, played by Julie Goodyear.

https://youtu.be/PmPZlUfrWEg

His other memorable TV performances included roles in Casualty, Last Of The Summer Wine and Last Tango In Halifax, while he formed a successful comedy partnership with Les Dawson in the 1970s.

Roy on The Les Dawson Show in 1975

 

Roy Barraclough

Roy Barraclough (Chris Ison/PA)

 

Last year, Barraclough appeared in the BBC’s one-off tribute to Are You Being Served? as Mr Grainger.

In 2006, he was awarded the MBE for services to drama and his charity work.

His philanthropic efforts included more than 20 years as a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester.

He died at the hospice following his illness.

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