Coronation Street actor John Saint Ryan has died at the age of 72.
Saint Ryan’s family confirmed the news on Facebook, saying that the actor died of a heart attack last week.
His wife, Joyce, also said that the actor would not be having a funeral, as his body would be donated to medical research.
“I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April,” his wife Joyce wrote on Facebook.
“We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heartbroken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral.
“Later, we will arrange a celebration of his wonderful life. We are all fortunate to have known and loved this special 'Gentleman' as he has been described to me numerous times over the last couple of days.”
The actor was most well known for his role as lorry driver Charlie Whelan on the iconic soap, a role he played between 1994 and 1995.
Saint Ryan was born Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953 and his first role in the industry was a stunt double for Sean Connery during film 1992 The Medicine Man.
He also had roles in other films and TV series, including Emmerdale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Murder, She Wrote, General Hospital, Cybill and The Heidi Chronicles.
He was also a horse trainer, and in the early 1990s relocated to California to open a cattle ranch called Red Rose Ranch.
The post confirming the news on Facebook was flooded with tributes to the actor and horse trainer, with one calling it a “sad loss to the horse world”.
“I am so sorry to hear this,” one comment read.
“Prayers for his family and loved ones during this difficult time; Prayers and [love] during this difficult time. He was an amazing horseman and person.”
Another said: “Heartbreaking news, he changed the way I look at horses and horsemanship. It was a privilege to share time with him. Condolences to Joyce. Sad loss to the horse world.”
