Coronation Street star dies aged 87 as Helen Worth leads tribute to 'lovely man'

Coronation Street legend Helen Worth has led tributes following the death of former co-star Geoffrey Hinsliff. He was best known for playing Don Brennan on the cobbles from 1987 to 1997.

Helen, who is famed for playing the role of Gail Platt in the ITV soap, said: "Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all. His partnership with Lynne Perry was something rather special and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years."

During his 10 years on Corrie, Don Brennan bought MVB motors from Mike Baldwin but started to resent him when the garage went bust. He then kidnapped Mike's wife Alma and drove their car into the canal, which they both survived. Don later tried to run Mike over but died when his car crashed into a viaduct and exploded.

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Geoff made his television debut in an episode of Z-Cars. He went on to appear in Adam Adamant Lives!, Dixon of Dock Green, UFO, Crown Court, The Professionals and Heartbeat, and also played a wireless operator in the film A Bridge Too Far.

But Don wasn't Geoff's first role as he had previously played other characters in Corrie in 1963 and 1977 before he got his full-time role. He later had a role in the comedy-drama Brass and appeared in two Doctor Who stories: Image of the Fendahl and Nightmare of Eden before guest-starring in Holby City as an alcoholic in 2010.

Geoff is survived by his wife, Judith E Seel, who he married in 1967, and their two children. His daughter Gabrielle Hinsliff is a journalist and columnist for The Guardian.