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Former Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough has died aged 81 following a short illness, his agent said in a statement.
The Lancashire-born comic was best known for playing Rovers Return landlord Alec Gilroy on the long-running soap.
Gavin Barker Associates short statement reads: “Our client Roy Barraclough has passed away today aged 81 after a short illness.”
Barraclough first appeared on Coronation Street in 1972, making occasional appearances before becoming a cast regular in 1986.
The character's marriage to Bet Lynch and pub take-over was a pivotal plot-line for the series, Barraclough reappearing on the ITV show numerous times after leaving in 1992.
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Barraclough was also one half of Cissie and Ada, a drag double-act with comedian Les Dawson, the latter playing Ada Shufflebotham while Barraclough played Cissie, described as the 'more refined of the two'.
Other TV performances included Castle Haven , Rising Damp , George and Mildred , Last of the Summer Wine , and last year's Are You Being Served?.
In 2006, the actor was awarded an MBE for services to drama and charity in the North West. Barraclough also served as a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester, where he reportedly died following his illness.
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