Tributes from far and wide have flooded in for actor Geoff Hinsliff following his death at the age of 87.
The actor was best-known for his role on ITV soap Coronation Street where he played Don Brennan for a decade between 1987 and 1997.
He joined the cast as taxi driver Don and was involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines throughout the early 1990s.
Following his arrival, Don became one of the soap’s most talked-about villains after being embroiled in kidnap and attempted murder storylines.
The ITV soap confirmed his death on Thursday, with Gail Platt star Helen Worth leading the tributes.
The actress – who’s set to leave the soap later this year – said in a statement: “Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all.
Geoff Hinsliff (left) with his on-screen wife Ivy (played by Lynne Perrie)
PA
“His partnership with Lynne Perry was something rather special and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years.”
Hinsliff is survived by his wife, Judith E Seel, who he married in 1967, and their two children.
Worth was far from the only person to share their messages of condolence after Hinsliff’s death was announced.
X, formerly Twitter, was flooded with kind words, including from one fan who penned: “So very sad to hear that Geoff Hinsliff has died aged 87 best known to me as the long suffering husband of Ivy Brennan and in later life became somewhat of an iconic villain.”
A second echoed: “Saddened to hear that Geoff Hinsliff the legendary Corrie star has passed away he was brilliant as the villain Don Brennan in Coronation Street sending condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace Geoff Hinsliff #Corrie #GeoffHinsliff #CoronationStreet.”
Elsewhere, another soap fan weighed in: “RIP Geoff Hinsliff, Don’s back together with Ivy now.”
And a fourth commented: “Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Hinsliff. In Don Brennan, he created such a memorable character.
“Always thought it was a shame that due to his exit he’ll be remembered as a villain, when he really wasn’t for most of his time. #Corrie.” (sic)
Helen Worth has led tributes to her former Corrie co-star
PA
After his stint on Corrie, Hinsliff went on to star in BBC daytime soap Doctor and ITV’s long-running drama, Heartbeat.
His CV also includes roles in Brass, Rosie, Juliet Bravo and Jackanory among other small screen parts.