Actor and entertainer Tony Peers has passed away at 78, his production company confirmed on Wednesday.
The performer, who portrayed multiple characters in Coronation Street and Emmerdale throughout his career, died peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
Tony Peers Ltd released a statement announcing the loss: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Scarborough showbiz legend Tony Peers has taken his final bow.
"Our wonderful producer, manager and friend sadly fell asleep for the last time in the early hours of this morning."
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|Tony Peers as Bryan Dodds in ITV Emmerdale 2003
The Wigan-born performer appeared in Coronation Street as a delivery driver, scrap dealer and most notably as Peter Mallett, father to Gary Mallett.
His Emmerdale appearances included roles as a construction worker, dance hall MC, Mr Roche and Bryan Dodds.
His television career spanned several decades, with appearances in numerous beloved British series.
Beyond his soap opera work, Peers featured in Last of the Summer Wine, which marked his final television appearance in 2004.
The versatile performer also secured roles in Heartbeat, All Creatures Great and Small, and Rik Mayall Presents.
His Emmerdale appearances were particularly varied - he portrayed a construction worker in May 1987, served as a dance hall master of ceremonies in February 1996, played Mr Roche in August 1998, and took on the role of Bryan Dodds from April to October 2003.
In Coronation Street, Peers became known for his portrayal of Peter Mallett, whose son Gary was a familiar face as a builder and window cleaner in Weatherfield.
Peers launched his showbusiness journey in the 1960s at Butlins holiday camps. During the 1980s, he oversaw entertainment operations at the Butlins Grand Hotel before establishing his own production company in 1999.
Tony Peers Productions became renowned for staging summer variety shows and Christmas pantomimes across the country.
The Scarborough Spa, where numerous productions were mounted, issued their own tribute: "Everyone at the Scarborough Spa is saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Peers."
The venue noted his extensive involvement: "Tony, who was involved in over 2,500 shows at the Spa as a performer, director, and latterly as producer of the famous Spa summer shows and Christmas pantomimes, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family and friends."
Peers shared his life with partner Glenda for 35 years.
In a 2018 interview with The Scarborough News, he reflected on their relationship: "She is the least showbiz person I know. Everyone in this business is an insecure, self-absorbed egomaniac.
"I would get home from the Spa and start talking about work - after two minutes Glenda would be on to other things."
He credited her with broadening his perspective: "She taught me there is more to the world than dressing up and messing about. Family is what it is all about."
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Tony Peers Ltd confirmed they would honour his legacy, stating: "All at Tony Peers Limited are devastated by this news and in Tony's words 'the show must go on.'
"We will be continuing to lead all future productions and keeping Tony's pantomime legacy alive across the country for years to come."