Former Coronation Street star Roy Hudd died “peacefully” after a short illness aged 83. His agent has said in a statement: “We are sad to announce the passing of the much-loved and amazingly talented Roy Hudd OBE.
“After a short illness, Roy passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday March 15, with his wife Debbie at his side.
“The family would ask you to respect their privacy at this very sad time.”
The actor played Archie Shuttleworth on the ITV soap for several stints between 2002 and 2010.
Roy began his acting career in sketch series such as The Illustrated Weekly Hudd and The Roy Hudd Show in the 1960s.
He went on to star in Dennis Potter series Lipstick on Your Collar and Karaoke.
Roy also starred in acclaimed crime drama Ashes to Ashes alongside Keeley Hawes and Philip Glennister in 2008.
Most recently, he appeared as a patient in the BBC drama Casualty in 2019.
In the same year, he toured the UK in a production of Oscar Wilde’s play A Woman of No Importance.
Following the news of his death, many of his friends and fans flocked to Twitter to pay a tribute.
Comedy writer Simon Blackwell wrote: “Very sad indeed to hear that Roy Hudd has died. A really lovely bloke, a great comedian, excellent straight actor.
“And a comedy historian too. I got my start in comedy writing via his Radio 2 show The News Huddlines.
“He was a total joy to write for. All good wishes to his family.”
Gold channel also wrote on their official page: “We are very saddened to hear that Roy Hudd has passed away at the age of 83.
“Just last year we had the honour of having him on our jury for ‘Britain’s Greatest Comedian’.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Actor Mark Gatiss penned: “Farewell to the wonderful Roy Hudd. A great comic and actor. One of those joyous people who feel like they’ve been with us forever.
“He was in a ‘Randall & Hopkirk’ I wrote with @dysonjeremy and improvised the band’s sign off as Jock Strap and his Two Swingers there! RIP Maestro.”
