Coronation Street star Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93.
The soap actor is known for appearing as Jed Stone on ITV’s long-running soap, in addition to his roles
on Brookside and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).
His death was announced on social media by his agent Sandra Chalmers, who called him a “true icon”.
“An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business, RIP,” she wrote on X/Twitter, alongside a younger photo of Kenneth.
Kenneth first appeared as Jed on the 38th episode of Coronation Street in 1961 as a lodger to Minnie Caldwell, who dubbed him ‘Sunny Jim’. The actor bid farewell in 1963 but returned again in 1966 to star in another 56 episodes.
He then took on one of the titular roles in the late-’60s comedy sitcom Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), appearing as Marty Hopkirk, a deceased private detective who returns as a ghost.
The show developed a cult following and was remade in 2000 by comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. Kenneth was offered a cameo role for the reboot, but turned down the offer.
Kenneth also had roles in two Carry On films: Carry On at Your Convenience and Carry On Matron, plus a small, uncredited role in 1964’s Carry On Jack.
The late actor made the switch to another soap in the ’90s, Channel 4’s Brookside, where he played Ray Hilton from 1999 to 2002.
Kenneth then reprised his role on the cobbles in 2008, 42 years after he left, in a storyline involving property developer Tony Gordon. His return marked Kenneth’s final acting appearance.
In a longer statement from his agent, the soap star was described as “a proud native Liverpudlian” and a “loyal supporter of Everton Football Club”.
He leaves behind his wife Renny Lister and their children Nick, Mark and Martha.
