The world of Coronation Street has been struck by a series of heartbreaking losses in 2026, with five notable figures from the soap's history passing away. Among them are a beloved actor who played Gail Platt's father, a veteran director who helmed over 250 episodes, and several original cast members.
Michael Byrne: Gail Platt's Long-Lost Father
In June, much-loved actor Michael Byrne died at the age of 82. He was best remembered for his role as Ted Page, Gail Platt's (Helen Worth) father who re-entered her life after 50 years, having come out as gay and discovering that Audrey (Sue Nicholls) had given birth to his daughter, according to the Daily Star. Byrne gave Gail away at her wedding to Joe McIntyre (Reece Dinsdale) before his character was killed off in 2021. Beyond Weatherfield, he appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010) as Gellert Grindelwald, and in films such as Tomorrow Never Dies, Braveheart, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Gangs of New York.
Kay Patrick: Director of Over 250 Episodes
Director Kay Patrick passed away in June at the age of 84. She joined the ITV soap in 1994 and directed more than 250 episodes over 21 years. In an interview, she reflected: "I was lucky to be there at such extraordinary times." Her funeral was held on June 24, with mourners asked to "leave the formal black clothes at home," as "Kay would have wanted everyone to dress for comfort!" No cause of death has been revealed.
Alan Rothwell: Ken Barlow's Brother David
Alan Rothwell, who portrayed Ken Barlow's brother David throughout the 1960s, died in May at age 89. He first appeared as a regular cast member when the soap launched in 1960, made occasional appearances in 1963 and 1964, and returned as a regular until 1968. He also appeared in Brookside, Top Secret, and Doctors. The soap's Instagram account shared a black-and-white photo of Rothwell in character, stating he will be "forever remembered" as one of the first actors to grace the screen when the show first aired in December 1960.
Paul Seed: Father Harris Who Married Gail
Paul Seed died in March at age 78. He played Father Harris between 1979 and 1981, presiding over the wedding of Gail and Brian Tilsley (Christopher Quinten) and conducting the christening of their son Nick. The Guardian reported that Seed, born in Devon, succumbed to cancer on March 7. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Cassidy and their two sons, Jack and Sean.
Angela Pleasence: Hippie Monica Sutton
Angela Pleasence, daughter of acting legend Donald Pleasence, died in April at age 84. She played Monica Sutton in 1968, a free-spirited hippie who established a commune at No. 11. Her television credits included The Possessed, The Expert, Casualty, The Bill, and Doctor Who, in which she portrayed Queen Elizabeth I, as well as The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
