SHOCKING NEWS!!! Coronation Street star Kenneth Cope dies, aged 93

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”.

alison king as carla connor, kenneth cope as jed stone in coronation street

“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.

jean heywood as kitty hilton, kenneth cope as ray hilton, marji campi as jessie hilton and jennifer ellison as emily shadwick, brookside

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.

Related articles

SHOCKING NEWS!! Coronation Street legend Kevin Webster to battle cancer in harrowing new storyline …

CORONATION Street legend Kevin Webster will battle cancer in a harrowing new storyline on the soap. The mechanic – who is played by actor Michael Le Vell in the ITV soap…

SHOCKING NEWS!! Coronation Street’s Nick plots to expose Leanne’s revenge plan

Coronation Street’s Nick Tilsley came up with a plan to expose Leanne Battersby’s revenge plan in Friday’s (December 27) episode. Leanne and Toyah Habeeb had a heated…

SHOCKING NEWS!! corrie critique Coronation Street fans slam ITV over ‘shoddy decision’ that saw Gail Platt’s farewell get ‘shocking’ ratings

CORONATION Street fans have slammed a ‘shoddy decision’ which saw legendary Gail Platt’s exit get ‘shocking’ ratings. Helen Worth bowed out of Weatherfield on Christmas Day – after 50 years playing…

SHOCKING NEWS!! Coronation Street reveals first look at Evelyn’s exit story

Coronation Street has shared a first look at scenes from Evelyn Plummer’s upcoming exit storyline, as well as some new details. Dame Maureen Lipman, who has played Evelyn…

SHOCKING NEWS!! Coronation Street reveals Rob Donovan return after.8 years

Coronation Street‘s new producer Kate Brooks has shared details of a dramatic return storyline for Rob Donovan. Marc Baylis has reprised his role as Carla Connor’s villainous brother, who…

SHOCKING NEWS!! Coronation Street exit fears for Mason in dark new storyline

Coronation Street has announced plans to explore knife crime in a dark new storyline for Mason Radcliffe. Mason is stabbed during an altercation with his brothers Matty and…