Rodney Litchfield has died aged 81, after forging a successful career on soaps such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
According to The Sun, the veteran actor died in his sleep on Saturday.
The publication claims the actor had been “ill for some time” prior to his death.
Litchfield has appeared in some of the UK’s most beloved shows, with roles on Heartbeat, Corrie, A Touch of Frost and Shameless.
Born in Wigan, the Brit actor got his big break in the 80s, landing a gig on the drama series Travelling Man.
Rodney Litchfield has died aged 81 (Image: BBC)
Many will remember him for his role on Early Doors, playing a grouchy OAP named Tommy, who famously sat in the bar and avoided conversations with other punters.
Back in 2007, he played Wilf Morton on Corrie, arriving on the cobbles for a brief spell with his granddaughter Jodie.
He enjoyed a short-lived flirtation with Blanche Hunt in Weatherfield, though his amorous chat-up lines were frequently brushed off.
Litchfield landed two roles on Emmerdale in the late 80s (Image: ITV)
Litchfield landed two roles on Emmerdale – in 1987 he played a visiting soldier to the Yorkshire dales.
Later, in 1988, he appeared in another scene driving in a car, though his character remains unnamed.
Fans of comedy will also recognize Litchfield from his role on Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, a sitcom about a working men’s club in the town of Bolton.
Back in 2007, he played Wilf Morton on Corrie (Image: ITV)
Litchfield’s work was appreciated by many, as his fans took to Twitter this evening to express their remorse over his passing.
One fan said: “I am very saddened to hear about #RodneyLichfield.
“He was truly brilliant in the Early Doors. All my prayers are with his family and friends.”
Another agreed: “One of the funniest British Sitcoms made. RIP Tommy …… to the regiment.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
