Coronation Street actor Kenneth Cope dies aged 93 as tributes flood in

Coronation Street's Kenneth Cope has passed away at the grand age of 93.

The news was shared on Thursday (September 12) by his acting agent Sandra Chalmers who said: "Announcing the passing of a true icon Kenneth Cope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP."

A social media tribute read: "Farewell to Kenneth Cope, gone at 93. Loved him in everything he did from Coronation Street, The Avengers, Doctor Who, several Carry On films but he will forever be the ghostly Marty Hopkirk for me in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) A series way ahead of its time.", reports the Daily Star.

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Kenneth's career was robust and diverse, stretching over five decades since his first role in the mini-series Johnny, You're Wanted in 1953. He became a recognizable face in television, scoring regular roles and winning hearts as Marty Hopkirk in the 1969 hit series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

His involvement with the Carry On franchise saw him featured in classics such as Carry On At Your Convenience and Carry On Matron. Additionally, Kenneth appeared as Packard in four episodes of Doctor Who in 1981 and undertook various parts in the medical drama Casualty.

Though Kenneth was a Liverpool native, it was his contribution to soap operas that cemented his status in the industry. With more than 150 episodes in Brookside as Ray Hilton from 1999 to 2002, and recurring appearances as Jed Stone in Coronation Street intermittently from 1961 to 2009, his legacy is etched firmly within British television history.

Beyond his acting career, Kenneth tied the knot with actress Renny Lister, a fellow Coronation Street star. The couple have two sons, Nick and Mark, who established the rock band The Candyskins, and a daughter, Martha.

Like her parents, Martha has also graced the screens of Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders with her acting talent.