Tributes paid to former Corrie star Barraclough from on- screen wife

Fo r m e r C o r o n a t i o n S t r e e t a c t r e s s Ju l i e Go o dye a r h a s led tributes to her co- star and on- screen husband, Roy Barraclough, who has died aged 81.

In an emotional statement yes t e r day, s he s ai d s he was “d e va s t a t e d ” t o h e a r o f t h e death of her “dearest friend”.

During a 55- year career in t h e a t r e a n d o n T V, B a r r a - clough was best known for his Corrie character Alec Gilroy’s stormy marriage to Bet Lynch, played by Goodyear.

Goodyear, 75, said: “My dear- 0 Roy Barraclough starred in Coronation Street for 30 years est friend, Roy Barraclough, has passed away at 6am this morning.

“I have no words to describe how devastated I feel.

“We kept in close touch a nd s p oke t o e a c h ot her at least two or three times e ve r y we e k . I wi l l t r e a s - ure all the happy times we had working and laughing together. We were just like a married couple – crazy, I know, but true.

“Rest in peace, Roy. I will always love you.”

B a r r a c l o u g h f a n s w i l l also know him as one half of Les Dawson’s TV comedy double act in the 1970s.

A statement from Gavin B a r k e r A s s o c i a t e s s a i d Barraclough had died following a “short illness”.