Royle Family star dies aged 82

'The Royle Family' star Peter Martin has died at the age of 82.

The beloved TV actor played Joe Carroll, neighbour to the Royles, in the BBC sitcom and also starred as Len Reynolds in ITV soap 'Emmerdale' from 2001 until 2007.

Peter's death on Wednesday (26.04.23) was revealed by a friend who paid tribute to his lat pal in a moving post on Facebook.

Alongside a photo of the actor, the post read: "My friend, drinking partner, fishing buddy past away on Wednesday morning, very sad, many of you will know him from TV, RIP Peter Martin, we had some great laughs."

Another tribute on the social media site read: "A true gent, will be so sadly missed. RIP Pete xx."

While another post read: "My condolences to his Friends and family. R. I. P. Peter it was nice to share some laughter with you."

Before joining 'The Royle Family' - which also starred Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, Craig Cash, Sue Johnston and the late Caroline Aherne - in 1998, Peter had been a recognisable face on TV thanks to his portrayal of a confused customer in a series of adverts for Jewson Hardware.

As well as 'Emmerdale', Peter also played different characters in three stints on 'Coronation Street'.

Other notable roles included portraying the fish shop owner in 'First of the Summer Wine' and parts in 'All Creatures Great and Small', 'ChuckleVision and 'Last of the Summer Wine'.

He also appeared alongside Ewan McGregor and Pete Postlethwaite in 1996 British comedy-drama 'Brassed Off' about the troubles faced by a colliery brass band, following the closure of their pit.