The actor famously played the role of the villainous Don Brennan on the soap for 10 years, before exiting the ITV show in 1997.

The character was involved in a number of dramatic storylines – including the kidnap of Alma Halliwell (Amanda Barrie), which saw him

crash a car into the canal. Don was also known for his relationships, including his marriage to Ivy Tilsley (Lynne Perrie).

Paying tribute to Geoffrey, co-star Helen Worth – who plays Gail Platt – said (via OK!): “Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all. His partnership with Lynne Perrie was something rather special, and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years.”

Geoffrey trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and starred in TV series such as Z Cars, UFO, Dixon of Dock Green, The Professionals, Heartbeat and Crown Court, and appeared as several different characters on Coronation Street in the 1960s and 1970s. He later made his full-time debut on the soap as Don in 1987.

Across his career, the star also appeared in two episodes of Doctor Who, as well as BBC soap Holby City in 2010. His film work included 1973’s O Lucky Man! and 1977’s A Bridge Too Far.

Geoffrey married his wife Judith Seal in 1967, and is survived by her and their two children – one of whom is The Guardian journalist Gaby Hinsliff.

Meanwhile, earlier this year Coronation Street paid tribute to late star John Savident (who played the role of Fred Elliot) following his death aged 86.