General Chat

Coronation Street actor Geoffrey Hughes dies aged 68

quote
Hughes featured in Keeping up Appearances for five years
Coronation Street and Keeping up Appearances actor Geoffrey Hughes has died aged 68, his agent has said.

The actor, who was known to millions as Coronation Street binman Eddie Yates in the 1970s and 1980s, died "peacefully in his sleep" on Friday night.

It followed a "long courageous battle" with prostate cancer, his family said.

Hughes, who lived on the Isle of Wight, was also known for his roles as Twiggy in TV comedy The Royle Family and Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances.

He had thought he had beaten prostate cancer in 2009, but was told it had returned after collapsing at home in 2010.

Hughes first appeared in 1960s shows such as Z-Cars and The Likely Lads. He was the voice of Paul McCartney in the Beatles film The Yellow Submarine.

Other roles included Vernon in Heartbeat and Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins, guest-starring in episodes of Doctor Who, Casualty, Boon and The Upper Hand.

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "We are very sad to hear of the death of Geoffrey Hughes.

"He created a legendary and iconic character in Eddie Yates who will always be part of Coronation Street.

Everyone connected with the programme send our sincerest condolences to his family."

Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: "I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, lovable actor, with great comedy timing.

"He will be greatly missed, one of the Street's memorable characters."

Sally Lindsay, who played barmaid Shelley Unwin in Corrie, wrote on Twitter that her first TV job was playing Twiggy's girlfriend in The Royle Family, "and he was so kind RIP lovely man x".

Hughes was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight in 2009, providing the official link between the island and royalty at formal events.


I liked him in Corrie and in Keeping up Appearances and am so sorry to see he has passed away

RIP, Geoffrey, you were indeed a character!

Jeepers, it seems as if the last few days has been about memorable entertainment folks who have so sadly passed away!

I understood that 'Vernon' left Heartbeat - after a long run - because he was ill (cancer was rumoured, I recall), but there was 'room' for him to return. Sadly, he never did.

I think that's when we were - sadly, in my view - lumbered with Peggy Armstrong in lieu of Vernon.

We went to one of the filmings of Heartbeat outside the Aidensfield Arms and I think Vernon had recently left. One Lady - a great fan - said Geoffrey came around and spoke warmly to folks - giving the ladies a warm cuddle, I'm told!!

I do recall Geoffrey years ago in Z-cars, knifing seats to pieces in a train, I think. Really sad news to learn today, however.

Thanks for posting this news, Shirley.

Was only watching an old Heartbeat episode earlier this week.
Vernon was hatching another of his dodgy schemes again....

Another character actor gone who was a one-off and will be missed.

Gwyn

Dear All

Hello

I remember Geoffrey Hughes playing the character of Onslow
in "Keeping up Apperances" and the scene where he was doing the jive with Hyacinth Bucket (Bouqet) on board the QE2 liner.

The scene was a classic.

Rest in peace, Mr Hughes.


Take gentle care all
SIncere wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx

:-(

Sad to hear, a great character actor, loved him as Onslow.

Remember him in Keeping up Appearances and The Royle Family, but first saw him as Vernon in Heartbeat, and that's always how I remembered him. Such a shame he's gone.

RIP Geoffrey

RIP Geoffrey

Very sad - he will be remembered for the wonderful characters he played.

Liked him in Corrie and Keeping up Appearances but absolutely loved the dance he did with Ricky Tomlinson (Jim in the Royle Family) when they were stripping the wallpaper.

A wonderful character actor,
loved him in the Royle Family.
Sad to hear this news.
:-( :-(

Very sad and too young :-(

A sad loss to the acting world and to all who knew him - I liked him in Corrie (in the days when I watched it) and as Onslow too, my o.h. liked him as Vernon as he is a real Heartbeat fan.

Rest in peace now, free from pain and suffering, life's work well done, you will always be remembered.

Lizx