Roy Barraclough has been laid to rest.
The past and present cast and crew from ‘Coronation Street’ gathered at Oldham crematorium today (09.06.17) to pay their respects to the soap legend, who is best known for playing Rovers Return landlord Alec Gilroy, after he passed away earlier this month at the age of 81 following a short battle with an illness.
Beverley Callard and Julie Goodyear, who played his on-screen wife Bet Lynch, were among those who attended the emotional service in Great Manchester this afternoon.
Julie was one of the first people to comment on Roy’s death after the news broke and admitted she was "devastated" by the loss because they always remained close.
Remembering Roy, the actress said in a statement: "I have no words to describe how devastated I feel. We were just like a married couple. We kept in close touch and spoke to each other at least two or three times every week. I will treasure all the happy times we had working and laughing together. Rest in peace Roy. I will always love you."
Roy was also known for his partnership with Les Dawson, starring alongside the TV icon as one half of the gossip-loving northern housewives Cissie and Ada.
The comedy creation was a big hit on British TV in the 1970s and 80s, and Charlotte Dawson, Les’ daughter, has paid her condolences on Twitter.
She wrote: "I’m devastated. At least you get to be reunited with my daddy."
During his lengthy career, Roy also appeared in a 2016 revival of the sitcom ‘Are You Being Served?’, as well as ‘Last of the Summer Wine’, ‘Casualty’ and a production of the Arthur Miller play ‘Death of a Salesman’.
Roy Barraclough is laid to rest
