Coronation Street and Carry On star Kenneth Cope dies as tributes pour in

Soap fans were divided on Wednesday night, as the big shows battled it out
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


British TV and film actor Kenneth Cope, renowned for his roles in Coronation Street and the Carry On films, has passed away at the age of 93.

The respected actor Kenneth, fondly remembered for his portrayal of character Jed Stonenicknamed 'Sunny Jim' on the ITV soap Coronation Streethas died, as confirmed by his one-time agent. Kenneth's appearances on the cobbles were spread across three intervals; he was first seen in the 1960s as Minnie Caldwell's lodger, returned in 1966, and made his last appearance in 2008.

Additionally, between 1999 and 2002, he captivated audiences as Ray Hilton in the Channel 4 soap Brookside.

News of Kenneth's passing was announced on social media by agent Sandra Chalmers, who paid tribute to the star in a heartfelt message on X, previously known as Twitter: "Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP."

Born in 1931, Kenneth died in Southport, Sefton, Liverpoolthe seaside town where his story began. He is survived by his wife Renny Lister, to whom he was married for 63 years, and their daughter Martha Cope, reports the Mirror.

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Kenneth Cope -Credit:Getty Images

Continuing the family's acting legacy, Martha has made her mark in EastEnders, appearing as Sandy Gibson. Kenneth left behind an impressive legacy with an extensive range of credits that include playing the spectral sleuth Marty Hopkirk in the original Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), roles in Minder and A Touch of Frost, and participation in two Carry On films among other television achievements.

Fans have paid tribute to the late actor, with one tweeting: "I am so sorry to hear that Kenneth Cope has died. I used to love "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" when I was a kid! Such a versatile and talented actor. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. RIP."

Another fan said: "Absolutely gutted to hear that Kenneth Cope has died. He was brilliant in everything he did (Vic Spanner in 'Carry On At Your Convenience' was a triumph), but he'll always be Marty Hopkirk to me."

Kenneth Cope had previously appeared in Coronation Street, returning to the show in 2008 as Jed Stone. His character was involved in a storyline with Tony Gordon, played by Gray O'Brien, which spanned several months.

Jed stood up to Tony, who was trying to redevelop properties, and refused to back down. However, Tony's villainous nature led to Jed having a stroke, and he was eventually forced out of his home.

Jed later became embroiled in a blackmail plot with Tony, demanding money for being forced out. The storyline culminated in Tony attempting to strangle Jed, but ultimately failing to kill him.

Tony then offered Jed a flat away from the cobbles in exchange for his silence. Fans of Coronation Street witnessed Tony manipulating Jed in a twisted plot against Maria Connor, played by Samia Longchambon, who was under the impression that he had murdered her husband Liam, portrayed by Rob James-Collier.

Jed's last scenes on the ITV soap involved a dramatic confrontation with Tony's accomplice Jimmy Dockerson, played by Robert Beck. This confrontation led to Jed being rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack.