Yahoo News 'Coronation Street' and 'Early Doors' star Rodney Litchfield dies aged 81
Former Coronation Street and Early Doors star Rodney Litchfield has died at the age of 81.
The Wigan-born actor, who was also known for his appearances in Emmerdale and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, died in his sleep at the weekend.
Phil Mealey, who co-wrote Early Doors with Craig Cash, revealed the news on Twitter, writing: “Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time.
Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time. We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won't be the same without you. RIPx
— Phil Mealey (@PhilMealey) September 7, 2020
“We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won't be the same without you. RIPx [sic]”
Read more: Coronation Street's Beverley Callard 'I can’t walk without crutches'
Litchfield played ill-tempered pensioner Tommy in the BBC sitcom, and also appeared in Coronation Street in 2007 as scamming grandad Wilf Morton.
Actress Christine Bottomley, who starred in comedy Early Doors with Litchfield, tweeted in tribute: “Sorry to here [sic] one of our Earlydoors family has left the building x will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield #OldTommy will miss you mate x [sic]”
Sorry to here one of our Earlydoors family has left the building x will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield #OldTommy will miss you mate x ❤️ pic.twitter.com/liIezRwQds
— Christine Bottomley (@ChrissyBotto) September 7, 2020
And comedian Justin Moorhouse, who worked with Litchfield on Channel 4 sitcom Phoenix Nights, wrote: “Rest in Peace Rodney. He was also magnificent as Wild Bill in Phoenix Nights. ’ What's he doing now? He's digging for gold!’”
Rest in Peace Rodney. He was also magnificent as Wild Bill in Phoenix Nights. ’ What's he doing now? He's digging for gold!’ https://t.co/DrO5HMKzHr pic.twitter.com/poFl8Dz40l
— Justin Moorhouse (@justinmoorhouse) September 7, 2020
Litchfield first broke into acting in the 1980s and had roles in acclaimed British acclaimed British TV shows including Cracker, Heartbeat, A Touch Of Frost, Casualty, The Bill and Doctors.
Read more: Peter Kay is planning a 'Phoenix Nights' film
Early Doors, written by Mealey and Cash, ran on BBC Two for two series between 2003 and 2004 telling the daily life of the staff and regulars in Stockport pub The Grapes.
Its cast included James McAvoy and Maxine Peake.
