Emmerdale’s Johnny Leeze dies aged 78 after testing positive for coronavirus 

Emmerdale and Coronation Street star Johnny Leeze has died aged 78.

The actor’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Holly who told the Daily Star her father died following a short illness two weeks ago.

Holly revealed Johnny, who played Ned Glover on Emmerdale from 1994 to 1999, tested positive for coronavirus the day before his death.

Passing: Emmerdale and Coronation Street star Johnny Leeze has died aged 78 (pictured in Emmerdale)

His daughter also told how her father suffered a heart attack on the morning of his death and was taken to hospital. 

Speaking to the publication, Holly paid tribute to her dad who she described as a ‘strong man’ and a ‘great guy’. 

She said: ‘He was my friend, he was such a strong, strong man. He was such a great guy, a really funny guy. He was loved by everybody really. Even by his ex-wife, who is with me today, my mum.

‘I don’t know what else to say. I’m numb, I just can’t get my head round it at the minute. I want to say so much more about him but I just don’t know what to say.’ 

Family: The actor’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Holly who told the Daily Star her father died following a short illness two weeks ago (pictured on Emmerdale in 1997)

The Daily Star reports that Johnny’s passing was also confirmed by his brother Phillip who shared a statement on social media.

He wrote: ‘It is with deep regret to inform you all my brother John passed away this morning. A lot of you will remember him as Ned Glover in Emmerdale, or comedian Johnny Leeze, on the club scene.

‘He had Covid, and underlying health issues. He made thousands laugh. He will be missed greatly by us all.”

‘Rest in Peace John. Your loving brother Phil, and sisters, Pam & Sheila.’ 

‘I know you will have them all in stitches up there. Fly high on angels wings.’

 Character: Johnny was best known for starring as Ned Glover on Emmerdale from 1994 to 1999 (pictured with Roberta Kerr who played his wife Jan Glover)

Before his breakout role on Emmerdale, the TV star was known to soap fans for playing Harry Clayton on Coronation Street for a few months in 1985. 

Johnny, who was born John Glen in York, made his screen debut in 1982 with a bit part on the sitcom Open All Hours.

Prior to his appearance as Harry on Coronation Street, he featured on the soap in one episode as a character named Mr Slater in 1982 and returned to the show as Laurie Johnstone in 2005. 

The actor’s other screen credits include The League of Gentlemen, Phoenix Nights and Doctors.