In 2026, the Coronation Street community has mourned the loss of several beloved stars. Since the ITV soap launched in December 1960, audiences have grown attached to many actors on the iconic cobbled street. This year, a number of cast members have tragically passed away, including an actor who played a member of the Platt family and a director who contributed for over two decades.
Michael Byrne Dies at 82
In June, Michael Byrne died aged 82. He was best known for playing Gail Platt’s long-lost father Ted Page, who re-entered her life after 50 years after coming out as gay and learning Audrey had given birth to his daughter. Byrne walked Gail down the aisle at her wedding to Joe McIntyre but was written out in 2021 when his character was killed off. He also appeared in the Harry Potter franchise as Gellert Grindelwald in Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010), and in films such as Tomorrow Never Dies, Braveheart (1995), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Gangs of New York.
Director Kay Patrick Passes Away
Kay Patrick, a director who worked on the soap for 21 years from 1994, died in June at age 84. She directed over 250 episodes. Reflecting on her time, she said: "I was lucky to be there at such extraordinary times." Her funeral was held on 30 June, and attendees were asked to "leave the formal back clothes at home" as "Kay would have wanted everyone to dress for comfort!" No cause of death was disclosed.
Alan Rothwell Dies at 89
Alan Rothwell, who played Ken Barlow's brother David in the 1960s, died in May aged 89. He was a regular when the soap launched in 1960, made occasional appearances in 1963-1964, and returned as a regular until 1968. His other roles included Brookside as Nicholas Black in the 1980s, the ITV spy drama Top Secret, and BBC One's Doctors. The soap's Instagram account posted a black-and-white photo of him, noting he would be "forever remembered" as one of the original actors.
Paul Seed Dies at 78
Paul Seed died in March at age 78. He played Father Harris on Coronation Street from 1979 to 1981, conducting Gail and Brian Tilsley's wedding and their son Nick's christening. According to The Guardian, Seed died of cancer on 7 March, survived by his wife Elizabeth Cassidy and their two sons, Jack and Sean.
Angela Pleasence Dies at 84
Angela Pleasence, daughter of actor Donald Pleasence, died in April aged 84. She appeared as Monica Sutton in 1968, a hippie setting up a commune at No. 11. Her later TV roles included The Possessed, The Expert, Casualty, The Bill, Doctor Who (as Queen Elizabeth I), and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
