Coronation Street legend dies as ITV pays tribute to | UK News

Coronation Street star Alan Rothwell has handed away aged 89. The actor performed David Barlow in the ITV cleaning soap during the Nineteen Sixties and made his debut during the cleaning soap’s first-ever episode. His death was announced by Coronation Street’s group this night, who posted the news on X. An announcement read: “We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time. He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.”

His household said in a assertion: “The family of the actor Alan Rothwell wish to share the sad news of his death at the age of 89 on Thursday, 14th May, 2026.

“Alan was a professional radio, television, film and stage actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years. He was one of the original cast members of Coronation Street, playing David Barlow in the very first episode broadcast in December 1960.

“He also appeared in Brookside as Nicholas Black and was a familiar face to generations of viewers as the presenter of the long-running children’s television programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.

“Alan died peacefully in hospital following a short illness. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.”

Alan was on Coronation Street as David on and off across eight years. He started as a regular cast member and was on the serial drama between December 1960 and June 1961 before he was written out.

The actor would return for sporadic appearances in both 1963 and 1964, before making regular appearances between 1964 and 68.

Coronation Street fans have been sharing their tributes on X, with one writing: “RIP Alan. My mum & grandma used to go to his mum when they labored in the mills in Shaw.”

Another said: “I’m saddened to hear this. Alan was in Corrie before my time, but, as a child of the Seventies, I do bear in mind him in ‘Picture Box’.”

Someone else wrote: “Used to watch him on Hickory’s House, so unhappy, RIP Alan.”