Coronation Street actor and comedian and actor Duggie Brown has died at the age of 82, his agent Lee Morgan said.
A statement posted on Twitter said: “It is with a heavy heart I share the news the very talented Comedian & Actor Duggie Brown passed away this morning with his wife Jackie by his side. What an honour it was to work with Duggie. A born entertainer who loved his profession. RIP Duggie Brown. We love & salute you.”
The actor played the role of Ted Spear in the ITV soap earlier this year after a career in comedy.
The much-loved star was also best known for appearing on The Comedians and he is the brother of actress and singer Lynne Perrie - who played Ivy Tilsley on Corrie for 23 years from 1971 to 1994.
His small part in Corrie sparked a huge storyline for Faye and Emma, as they made a pact to keep his death a secret to prevent time behind bars.
Duggie's Coronation Street character, Ted, was hit by Faye Windass' car while driving home after a New Year’s Eve party.
Although his character seemed okay after the shock, he was later found dead in his armchair.
In an additional statement to the PA news agency, Duggie Brown’s representative said: “It is with such a heavy heart that I can confirm the news that the very talented comedian and actor Duggie Brown passed away this morning, with his wife Jackie by his side.
“It has been a great honour to work with Duggie – gracious, kind and always excited by what the industry had in store for him.
“A born entertainer who loved his profession… an infectious smile that will remain in our hearts.”
Rotherham-born Brown first found fame in Ken Loach’s 1969 film Kes, based on Barry Hines’ novel, and became one of the most well-known comedians of his generation.
He also appeared in groundbreaking comedy programmes The Comedians and The Wheeltappers And Shunters Social Club.
Brown was inducted into the Grand Order of Water Rats charitable organisation and in 2020 took on the title King Rat.
