Royle Family and Emmerdale actor Peter Martin dies as tributes pour in
The Royle Family actor Peter Martin has died at the age of 82, it was announced today.
The actor, who came to prominence in the 1980s Jewson adverts, passed away last week.
The loveable actor boasted a colourful TV and film career, with fans remembering him as the Royles’ neighbour, Joe Carroll, alongside Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston.
Peter famously sang I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen in the second series of the BBC comedy, which ran for 14 years.
He also broke out in song during the sitcom’s 2011 Christmas special when, after talking about the funeral of his onscreen wife, Mary, he sang Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell.
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Peter began appearing on television in several minor roles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including The Liver Birds and Juliet Bravo.
But it was the Jewson building merchants’ adverts – when he reeled off a list of “the Jewson lot” of exotic timbers to a salesman – which made him a household face.
Peter appeared on The Royle Family for 14 years (Jelly Legs)Roles in Coronation Street and All Creatures Great and Small followed until he landed the part of Len Reynolds in Emmerdale, which he played for six years.
He also appeared in Victoria Wood and Last of the Summer Wine, and played Captain Mainwaring in a stage production of Dad’s Army.
Other TV shows included Heartbeat, Playing the Field, Dalziel and Pascoe and children's programme ChuckleVision.
On the big screen, he appeared in mining film Brassed Off alongside Ewan McGregorand Stephen Tompkinson, and wrestling film Walk Like A Panther with Stephen Graham and Tompkinson again.
The sad news of his death was confirmed by a friend, who paid tribute to the actor on Facebook.
Martin’s pal, Dave Shann, posted a picture of the star online, and wrote: “My friend, drinking partner and fishing buddy passed away, very sad. We had some great laughs.”
Peter played Len Reynolds in ITV soap Emmerdale from 2001 until 2007 (ITV Network)Comedian John Martin conveyed a tribute from Royle Family co-star Tomlinson. He said: "Ricky Tomlinson (who doesn’t do social media) has asked me to pay tribute to Peter Martin who sadly has passed away. Ricky said he was an absolute joy to work with and a brilliant actor. He will be sadly missed by Ricky. R.I.P."
Royle family co-stars Geoffrey Hughes, Caroline Aherne and Liz Smith have all died in recent years.
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Peter lived in Hull, but he was actually born in Gainsborough, Lincs, in 1941 after his mum left the port while Luftwaffe bombs rained down.
In 1991, Peter discussed being the best man at his son's wedding.
He told the Hull Daily Mail: "He asked who he should choose as best man and I said 'your best pal'. He said 'who is a better friend to me than you?' and I readily accepted."
Peter's cause of death has not been disclosed.
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