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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Coronation Street star Wyllie Longmore dies aged 82 following cancer battle

Coronation Street star Wyllie Longmore has died at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.

The actor was best known for playing Dr McKinnon on the ITV soap and starred in Love Actually, portraying a political aide to Hugh Grant’s character David.

His daughter Jessica confirmed his passing on Thursday.

She shared on Facebook: “I want to share the news that my father, Wyllie Longmore passed away yesterday evening.

“He had been living with Cancer, but passed away peacefully with my mum by his side.

“Those of you who know me will know that I am not prone to public announcements on social media, but I know the influence my dad goes way beyond our family; so I wanted to share this news with you all.

Longmore played Dr. McKinnon on Coronation Street (ITV)

“Please feel free to share this news in your networks. I will post information in due course about the quiet funeral we have planned and the celebratory stuff event of his life and career, that will come later.

“Wyllie was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and will be very sadly missed.”

Following news of Longmore’s death, former Corrie co-star Shaun Dooley paid tribute to the actor, tweeting: “So incredibly saddened to hear that Wyllie Longmore has passed away. A beautiful beautiful human being.

“A gentle man loved by so many of us who had the privilege to know & learn from him. All my love & good wishes to his family. I’m so sorry. Rest well sir.

“Wyllie believed in me from the start. Held my place on his drama course until I’d heard back from the more established ones. Waited for me. Taught me to appreciate words and verse.

“And for all that Sir I can never repay you. Thank you Wyllie. All my love Xxx”.

While the Royal Theatre Exchange wrote on Twitter: “We’re deeply saddened to hear that the wonderful Wyllie Longmore has passed away.

“A fiercely passionate theatre maker, incredible actor & inspiring teacher, he made a huge difference. We’ll miss him. Our thoughts & love are with his family & friends.”

Longmore was born in Jamaica and moved to the United Kingdom in 1961.

In 1992, he made his Coronation Street debut playing Dr McKinnon on Coronation Street who treated Don Brennan (Geoff Hinsliff) following his car accident.

Aside from the Cobbles, the actor also enjoyed roles in The Bill, Between the Lines, Casualty, Merseybeat, Waking the Dead and Cold Feet.

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