Tributes have been paid to Alan Rothwell, who appeared on the very first episodes of Coronation Street.
Tony Warren, created the character, David Barlow, with Rothwell in mind. Playing the brother of William Roach’s Ken Barlow, he was in the soap between 1960 and 1969.
“He and I worked together on the very first episodes of Coronation Street, which was such a wonderful time, I got to know him well over the years, he was a very good actor and a delightful man,” said William Roach.
“I send my thoughts and condolences to his family.”
The Oldham-born actor also appeared in The Villains and in Brookside as Nicholas Black. He went not to become the presenter of long-running children’s series, Picture Box and Hickory House.
“We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time,” said a Coronation Street spokesperson.
“He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.”
More recently he was seen in Alan Partridge, Alpha Papa, Shameless and Doctors.
A family statement said that he died “peacefully in hospital” following a short illness.
“Alan was a professional radio, television, film and stage actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years.
“Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
“He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.”
