Coronation Street and Love Actually star Wyllie Longmore dies aged 82 after cancer battle

Coronation Street and Love Actually star Wyllie Longmore has died at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.

The news was announced by his family on Thursday, who revealed the actor passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.  

Wyllie was best known for playing Dr. McKinnon in Corrie in the Nineties and also had roles in The Bill, Between the Lines, Casualty, Merseybeat, Waking the Dead and Cold Feet.

Sad news: Coronation Street and Love Actually star Wyllie Longmore has died at the age of 82

Wyllie’s daughter Jessica announced the news on Facebook, writing: ‘I want to share the news that my father, Wyllie Longmore passed away yesterday evening. 

‘He had been living with Cancer, but passed away peacefully with my mum by his side.

‘Those of you who know me will know that I am not prone to public announcements on social media, but I know the influence my dad goes way beyond our family; so I wanted to share this news with you all.

‘Please feel free to share this news in your networks. I will post information in due course about the quiet funeral we have planned and the celebratory stuff event of his life and career, that will come later.

‘Wyllie was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and will be very sadly missed.’

Soap star: Wyllie made his soap debut in 1992 when he starred as Dr McKinnon on Corrie

Wyllie’s former Corrie co-star Shaun Dooley led the tributes to the star, tweeting: ‘So incredibly saddened to hear that Wyllie Longmore has passed away. A beautiful beautiful human being. 

‘A gentle man loved by so many of us who had the privilege to know & learn from him. All my love & good wishes to his family. I’m so sorry. Rest well sir.

‘Wyllie believed in me from the start. Held my place on his drama course until I’d heard back from the more established ones. Waited for me. Taught me to appreciate words and verse. And for all that Sir I can never repay you. Thank you Wyllie. All my love Xxx’

The Royal Theatre Exchange paid tribute to the actor, tweeting: ‘We’re deeply saddened to hear that the wonderful Wyllie Longmore has passed away.

A fiercely passionate theatre maker, incredible actor & inspiring teacher, he made a huge difference. We’ll miss him.

‘Our thoughts & love are with his family & friends.’

Tribute: Wyllie’s daughter Jessica announced the news on Facebook

Paying respects: Wyllie’s former Corrie co-star Shaun Dooley led the tributes to the star

Wyllie was born in Jamaica and moved to the United Kingom in 1961 before honing his craft at Rose Bruford College in south London. 

He made his soap debut in 1992 when he starred as Dr McKinnon on Coronation Street, treating Don Brennan (Geoff Hinsliff) following his car accident.

Wyllie also starred in festive favourite Love Actually, playing an advisor to David, the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant). 

As well as his work in TV, Wyllie starred in several theatre productions and won Best Actor at the Manchester Evening News awards for his performance in Athol Fugard’s My Children! My Africa! at the Octagon Theatre in 1995. 

Thespian: As well as his work in TV, Wyllie starred in several theatre productions and won Best Actor at the Manchester Evening News awards (pictured on stage in 2005)