Veteran British actor Alan Rothwell, best known for playing David Barlow in the original cast of Coronation Street, has died aged 89 following a short illness.
Rothwell’s family confirmed he “died peacefully in hospital”.
“Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle,” the actor’s family said in a tribute.
“He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.”
Born in Oldham, Rothwell joined Coronation Street when the long-running ITV soap first aired in 1960 and remained on the show until 1969.
His character, David Barlow, was the brother of Ken Barlow, played by William Roache.
The role had reportedly been created specifically for Rothwell by Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, who had known him since childhood through BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour.
Roache paid tribute to his former co-star, saying: “I am very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing.
“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.
“I send my thoughts and condolences to his family.”
A spokesperson for Coronation Street said: “We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.”
“He created a “memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members”, they added.
Outside Coronation Street, Rothwell also appeared in television series including Brookside, Gideon’s Way and The Villains.
He was also well known to younger viewers as the presenter of the children’s television programs Picture Box and Hickory House, becoming a familiar face across British television for decades.
Image: ITV
