Coronation Street actor Peter Armitage died aged 78 four years after he beat bowel cancer. His cause of death is currently unknown. Peter’s former co-star Charles Lawson, who plays Jim McDonald in the ITV soap, confirmed the news of his death via Twitter. He wrote: “It is with great sadness, that I’ve to tell you my great old friend Pete Armitage has died. RIP mate.”
Many other Coronation Street stars flocked to the post to pay a tribute to the late actor.
Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald on the soap, penned: “I loved Pete what a lovely man very sad RIP lovely man.”
Samia Longchambon added: “So sorry to hear this Charlie. Pete was such a lovely man.. he’ll be sadly missed.”
Jane Danson wrote: “So sorry to hear this, lovely man. Thoughts to family and friends x”
An ITV spokeswoman told Express.co.uk: “Peter was a much respected and much loved member of the Coronation Street family.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Peter first appeared on the cobbles in 1984 for six months.
He reprised his role in 1995 for another two years and returned later in 2006.
Peter’s on screen character was Kevin Webster’s father, who worked as a builder.
His storylines included his affair with with Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) after he got engaged to Pam Hobsworth.
Four years ago, he said he would love to make a return to the soap if there was a relevant storyline for him.
He told The Mirror: “It’s 30 years since I first started on the cobbles and I’ve always come in and out,” he said.
“I’d like to go back again, too, if there’s a storyline for me.”
Peter has also starred in Casualty, Couples, Jack the Ripper and Hearts and Minds.
He also co-starred alongside David Jason in short-lived sitcom Lucky Feller.
In the 1980s, Peter also appeared in a Yellow Pages advert as a father trying to convince his son not to have a racing bike as a birthday present.
Peter is survived by his two children.