Coronation Street cast: Joe McIntyre star Reece Dinsdale reveals heartbreak in moving post

Reece Dinsdale revealed his dad had tragically died as he updated his 21,000 Twitter followers on Father’s Day. The ex Coronation Street regular said he was “broken hearted” after losing his dad, who had Parkinson’s disease and terminal cancer. The 59-year-old credited him as the “greatest man I ever knew” in a series of touching messages online. Back in January, he told fans he was “angry” after being told of his relative’s condition, writing: “Life, eh?!”

Reece had at first posted: “Father’s Day: “#FathersDay. My best mate, the greatest man I ever knew, has passed away.

“He taught me good from bad, right from wrong, & showed me how to love. Broken hearted doesn’t get close… I’ll miss him more than life itself! May his god now be with him. RIP, Dad. x Once a Terrier!”

He shared a collage of images of his dad, with some of him as a young man, as well as more recent snaps.

Despite his loss, Reece was back at work just 24 hours later and said he had to find “strength” from somewhere.

The star tweeted: “Having lost my dad yesterday, today I begin shooting my latest Moving On drama for @LAProductionsUK and BBC1.

“Where I’ll get the strength from, I have no idea… but it was his dying wish that I wasn’t to stop.”

Reece continued: “I shall do it in his honour and let him carry me through xxx. Got to get to work now and won’t have time to read all your wonderful messages re my dad.

“But I will… I promise! May your day bring good things. x.”

LA Productions also addressed his dad’s death, tweeting: “You continue to inspire us with the hugeness of your heart. Deepest sympathies from your LA family.”

“This means the world to me. x,” he responded.

He went on update users on how he had got on, writing: “Under somewhat challenging circumstances, completing day one of my #MovingOn shoot yesterday was made possible only by the kindness and generosity of the magnificent team that is @LAProductionsUK.

“You will never know how much I needed you! Thank you all SO much. xxx.”

It was then that one fan told him: “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss! You’re actually filming next door to my mum’s white bungalow.

“I saw you and your team working so hard but also respectful of the neighbours! Thank you! Take care!”

Reece added: “Thank your mum for her patience and apologies if we made too much noise. x.”

He appeared in Corrie for two years playing Joe McIntyre, the father of Tina McIntyre (portrayed by Michelle Keegan).

Over the years, he has also popped up in the likes of Minder, Home to Roost, Full Stretch, The Chase and, most recently, The Knife That Killed Me.

Coronation Street continues tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.

source: express.co.uk