Lisa Riley has shared a heartfelt tribute to Alan Rothwell following the Coronation Street legend's death, hailing him as a true gentleman who blazed a trail for performers from their shared hometown.
Mr Rothwell, 89, died peacefully in hospital on Thursday following a brief illness, his family confirmed.
The actress posted an emotional message on Instagram, writing: "Dearest Alan, may you shine down from heaven. Rest in peace.
"I loved working with you-you put Oldham on the map all those years ago-paved the way for us lot. You were always the truest meaning of [GENTLEMAN]."
Alan Rothwell died at 89
| GETTYMs Riley's touching words prompted an outpouring of support from fellow ITV stars and fans alike.
Current Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon responded to the post, commenting: "Such sad news Lisa #rip Alan, you were a wonderful man."
Another Instagram user wrote: "Aw I remember Picture Box as a child on the 70s."
A third echoed: "Ahh I remember at school they used to bring out a tv on very tall legs on wheels and we would watch Picture box, I looked forward to this I can still remember the tune and a little box turning round on the introduction." (sic)
"Oh no, bless him. Great character in Corrie, AKA David Barlow. RIP Good sir," another wrote. (sic)
Another penned: "Such a lovely Gentleman and a great Actor Rest in Peace Alan so many different programmes Corrie, Picture Box, Hickory House." (sic)
Someone else added: "Worked with Alan on a children’s programme, what a gentleman! RIP."
"Rip to another part of my childhood!" another commented, while one more wrote: "Oh no so sad. Remember him so much from children's telly and as David Barlow in Corrie."
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Lisa Riley paid tribute to fellow ITV soap star Alan Rothwell
| INSTAGRAMThe Oldham-born actor portrayed David Barlow in the ITV soap from its very first episode in 1960 until 1969, making him one of the programme's founding cast members.
His character was the younger sibling of Ken Barlow, played by William Roache, and the two brothers were famously different in temperament - David being far more down to earth than his intellectual sibling.
The role was crafted specifically for Mr Rothwell by Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, who had known the actor since their childhood days working together on BBC Radio's Children's Hour.
David Barlow pursued a footballing career on screen before an injury forced his retirement from the sport.
Lisa Riley labelled the late actor a 'gentleman'
| ITVMr Roache, who has portrayed Ken Barlow since the programme's inception, expressed his sorrow at losing his former colleague.
"I am very sorry to hear of Alan's passing," Mr Roache said. "He and I worked together on the very first episodes of Coronation Street, which was such a wonderful time, I got to know him well over the years, he was a very good actor and a delightful man."
He added: "I send my thoughts and condolences to his family."
Mr Roache has held the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in a soap opera since 2010, having appeared continuously in the programme for over six decades.
Bill Roache also paid tribute
| GETTYWith Mr Rothwell's passing, only a handful of original Coronation Street cast members remain, including Anne Cunningham and Patricia Shakesby.
Ms Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor in the soap, revealed a personal connection to the late actor beyond their shared ITV history.
"Alan was also a drama teacher at our drama school and I have such fond memories of being taught by him... he was a wonderful man," she wrote.
Coronation Street issued an official statement expressing condolences to Mr Rothwell's loved ones, describing David Barlow as "an iconic and memorable character" and noting that the actor would "forever be remembered as one of the original cast members".