Coronation Street actor Alan Rothwell who was a part of the original cast dies aged 89 ‘following a short illness’

Coronation Street star Alan Rothwell died aged 89 on Thursday ‘following a short illness’.

The actor was best known for playing David Barlow, brother of soap legend Ken, in the original cast of the ITV soap in the 60s.

Remarkably, Alan, who was born in Oldham in 1937, made his debut in the first episode of the ITV series, broadcast in December 1960.

Alan’s family shared the sad news of his death with the Press Association.

The statement included the following statements: ‘Alan was a professional radio, television, cinema and theater actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years.

‘Alan died peacefully in hospital after a short illness.

‘Beyond his professional accomplishments, 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 with his work.’

The actor was best known for playing David Barlow, brother of soap legend Ken, in the original cast of the ITV soap in the 60s.

And Coronation Street’s official Instagram page also shared their condolences.

They wrote:’We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Rothwell and offer our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.

‘He created an iconic and unforgettable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.’

Fellow Corrie star Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, paid tribute to Alan.

He said: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this. Alan was also a drama teacher at our drama school and I have fond memories of being taught by him… he was a great guy.’

Alan, who played Jimmy Grange in The Archers, achieved the biggest role of his career in 1960, when he took on the role of David Barlow in Coronation Street, directed by Tony Warren, after its television debut.

Alan played David on and off for eight years. He was initially a regular cast member before being written out of the script a year later.

David made sporadic returns between 1963 and 1964, then became a mainstay once again until his departure in 1968.

The character was known to be very different from his literary love interest, Ken. David continued his football career, but would later be forced to retire after being injured during a match.

David was killed off-screen two years after his last appearance.

Away from the cobbles, Alan went on to appear in a number of other series, including a role as a community lawyer in Brookside shortly after his 1985 debut, and for a year he took on the role of Nicholas Black in the Channel 4 soap.

Nicholas was the husband of original Brookie character Heather Black (formerly Huntington) and appeared in 56 episodes.

His family shared the sad news of his passing and Coronation Street’s official Instagram page also shared their condolences.

Fellow Corrie star Samia Longchambon, who played Maria Connor, paid tribute to Alan

Meanwhile, David played a variety of roles in Emmerdale, including a judge in 1993 and the more regular role of John Kenyon between 1997 and 1998.

He has also appeared in Casualty in various roles over the years.

Away from the soap world, David has appeared in Queer As Folk, The Musketeers and All Creatures Great and Small.

Alan was also married to Marjorie Ward from 1961 until their divorce in March 1967, and they shared two children together.

He married Maureen Haydon in April 1967 and they remained married until 1999 and share two children.