Hayley Tamaddon, best known for her roles as Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street, has paid an emotional tribute to her mentor Phil Winston after attending his funeral on Wednesday.
A 'sad day' as Phil Winston is laid to rest
The 49-year-old actress shared a photo of the funeral programme, which read: "In loving memory of Phil Winston." Phil was a choreographer and a valued member of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), with a career spanning decades on screen and stage, teaching generations of performers.
In her tribute, Hayley wrote: "Yesterday was a sad day as we laid our incredible teacher, mentor and lifelong friend Phil Winston to rest. Seeing so many old friends there was beautiful. All reminiscing and sharing stories of how this wonderful man changed our lives. I am proud to say I am an original 'Philly'."
Crediting Phil for her career
She continued: "In 1987 this man began shaping and moulding me to give me the future I have today. And I wouldn’t be where I am without him. He taught me discipline, etiquette, professionalism. He introduced me to @thedanwhiston ..a friendship I’d be lost without. He created a family."
Hayley concluded: "He believed in me from the very beginning. Thank you Phil. For the career you gave me. It’s all because of you. Rest in peace. I will make sure everyone always remembers your name."
Fans offer condolences
Hayley's 104,000 followers flooded the comment section with condolences. One wrote: "So sorry for your loss but you can keep his legacy alive he must have been so proud of you." Another commented: "Sorry for your loss @hayleysoraya & thank you to this man xxx." A third added: "So sorry for your loss x"
Hayley made her Emmerdale debut in 2005 and left the Dales two years later. She joined Coronation Street six years later but departed in 2015.
