Coronation Street fans were left emotional after the ITV soap paid tribute to a soap icon following their death earlier this year
The soap paid tribute to a late star (Image: ITV)
Coronation Street viewers have been left deeply moved after the beloved soap honoured a former cast member following their passing.
Last month, it was confirmed that Alan Rothwell, who portrayed Ken Barlow’s brother David throughout the 1960s, passed away at the age of 89. He first featured on the long-running programme as a regular when it launched in 1960.
Alan subsequently made occasional appearances on the ITV soap in 1963 and 1964 before rejoining as a regular cast member until his final appearance in 1968.
Alan also took on roles in Brookside as Nicholas Black in the mid-Eighties, as Mike in the ITV spy drama Top Secret in the early Sixties, and held various parts in the Noughties BBC One soap Doctors.
Sadly, in May, news broke of Alan’s death. The soap’s Instagram account shared a black and white photograph of Alan in character as David, stating he will be “forever remembered” as one of the first actors to grace the screen when the show first aired in December 1960, reports the Daily Star.
Alan’s death was announced last month (Image: ITV)
At the conclusion of Monday’s episode (June 1), the soap paid its respects to Alan with a title card bearing his photograph. The caption read: “In memory of Alan Rothwell, 1937 – 2026.”
The heartfelt tribute was warmly received by fans, who took to a Coronation Street Facebook fan page to share their thoughts. One viewer wrote: “Remember him in Corrie when I was a kid. RIP.”
Another added: “So sad he played David Barlow in Corrie in the 60s.” A third commented: “Nice to see they paid tribute. Rest in peace Alan.”
The soap paid tribute (Image: ITV)
Few of the Coronation Street originals remain on our screens. Anne Cunningham, who portrayed Linda Cheveski, is now 88, while Patricia Shakesby, who played Ken’s first love interest Susan Cunningham, is 86, and Ken Barlow actor William Roache is 94.
Alan’s on-screen brother William has held the record as the longest-serving actor in a soap opera since 2010, a distinction that looks set to remain unchallenged. He revealed this week that he has absolutely no plans to step away from the role.
Speaking to the Session 7: Interesting Lives podcast, he explained: “I feel I’m Ken’s protector, I feel I’m looking after him. His caretaker rather than protector. That’s what I do.”
