A CORONATION Street legend has died aged 87, the soap has confirmed.
Geoffrey Hinsliff, who was best known for playing Don Brennan on the cobbles from 1987 to 1997, sadly passed away this week after battling a
short illness.
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The legend died at his home surrounded by family.
Whilst part of the nation’s favourite street, Geoffrey’s character was given a storyline including kidnap and attempted murder – making him one of the most remembered villains.
During his 10 years on Corrie as Don Brennan, he bought MVB motors from Mike Baldwin but started to resent him when the garage went bust.
He then kidnapped Mike’s wife Alma and drove their car into the canal – however, they both survived.
Don later tried to run Mike over but died when his car crashed into a viaduct and exploded.
Geoffrey originally joined Coronation Street in 1963 but played different characters.
He went on to appear in Adam Adamant Lives!, Dixon of Dock Green, UFO, Crown Court, The Professionals and Heartbeat, and also played a wireless operator in the film A Bridge Too Far.
And in British police drama The Professionals, he played a segeant in the episode called When The Heat Cools Off.
The Leeds-born actor also starred in comedy TV series Brass and appeared in six episodes of Doctor Who.
More recently in 2010 he had a small role in Holby City.
Tributes have since poured in for Geoffrey.
Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, said: “Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all.
“His partnership with Lynne Perry was something rather special and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years.”
Geoffrey is survived by wife Judith and his two daughters Gaby and Sophie.
He married Judith in 1967 in St Cecilia’s Church in Little Hadham, East Hertfordshire.
In a statement, the three of them said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Geoff Hinsliff, aged 86. He died at home surrounded by his family after a short illness.
“Geoff was a working-class boy from a family of five who left school in Leeds aged 15 with no qualifications, yet went on to study at RADA with a scholarship and to join the Royal Shakespeare Company.
“It was an English teacher who encouraged him to act and all his life he fervently believed in the power of education.
“He was restless, curious, adventurous and funny; he loved nothing better than setting the world to rights around the dinner table.
“But it was family and home that ultimately mattered to him most.”
One wrote: “Coronation Street Legend Geoff Hinsliff, who played Don Brennan, has sadly passed away. RIP.”
Others simply wrote: “R.I.P Don. R.I.P.”
