Ex-Corrie Star Geoffrey Hughes Dies Aged 68
The actor, who played binman Eddie Yates in the long-running soap, dies after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Saturday 28 July 2012 19:06, UK
Former Coronation Street actor Geoffrey Hughes has died after a battle with prostate cancer.
The star, who was best-known for his role as binman Eddie Yates in the long-running ITV soap, passed away on Friday night.
The actor died "peacefully in his sleep" after a "long courageous battle" with prostate cancer, according to his family.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: "We are very sad to hear of the death of Geoffrey Hughes.
"He created a legendary and iconic character in Eddie Yates who will always be part of Coronation Street.
"Everyone connected with the programme send our sincerest condolences to his family."
Tributes poured in for the actor as word spread of his death.
Long-serving Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap, said: "I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, lovable actor, with great comedy timing.
"He will be greatly missed, one of the Street's memorable characters."
Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, said: "Geoffrey Hughes was one of the kindest, gentlest and most talented and caring men I have ever worked with. His sense of humour, even in the darkest of hours, was immeasurable. My sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre, said: "Geoff was a very dear friend for many years, and I'm very sad to hear the news of his passing. He was a master of gentle comedy and brought pleasure to so many people. He will be sadly missed."
Hughes was rushed to hospital for intense radiotherapy in 2010 after collapsing at his Isle of Wight home.
The actor had thought he had beaten prostate cancer the previous year, but the star and his wife Sue were given the news the disease had returned.
Hughes, who publicly supported cancer charities, first appeared in 1960s classics such as Z-Cars and The Likely Lads and was the voice of Paul McCartney in the Beatles film The Yellow Submarine.
He played Twiggy in television comedy The Royle Family and Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances. Other roles included Vernon in Heartbeat and Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins.
Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson said: "Geoff wasn't just an actor. He was my mate. I used to call him every few weeks but hadn't spoken to him in about a fortnight. It's such a loss."
Hughes also guest-starred in episodes of Doctor Who, Casualty, Boon and The Upper Hand and left Coronation Street in 1984.
In 2009 he was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight, making him "the official link between the island and royalty at formal engagements".