Former Coronation Street actress Julie Goodyear has led tributes to her co-star and on-screen husband, Roy Barraclough, who has died aged 81.
In an emotional statement shared on Thursday, she said she was "devastated" to hear of the death of her "dearest friend".
During a 55-year career in theatre and on TV, Barraclough was best known for his Corrie character Alec Gilroy's stormy marriage to Bet Lynch (Goodyear).
Goodyear, 75, said: "My dearest 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 and spoke to each other at least two or three times every week.
"I will treasure 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."
A statement from Gavin Barker Associates said Barraclough had died following a "short illness".
The actor made a number of brief appearances in Coronation Street throughout the 1960s and '70s, before becoming a regular face on the cobbles from 1986 until 1992, and returning again in 1996 for two years.
The Corrie team shared a nostalgic clip from his days on the ITV soap on Twitter, describing him as a man who brought "warmth and love" to the show.
But Barraclough fans will also know him as one half of Les Dawson's TV comedy double act that stormed to success in the 1970s.
He had originally stepped in to fill the shoes of Dawson's previous partner - who had been put off by his attitude to rehearsing - and the pair went on to create some of the nation's favourite sketches, including gossipy housewives Cissie and Ada.
Dawson's daughter Charlotte wrote on Twitter: "Omg I'm devastated ... at least you get to be reunited with my daddy."
Comedian Matt Lucas posted a picture of himself and Barraclough filming 2015 show Pompidou.
He wrote: "Happy days with Roy Barraclough on 'Pompidou'. Lovely man, brilliant actor."
Barraclough's more recent television roles have included Casualty, Last Of The Summer Wine and Last Tango In Halifax, as well as an appearance as Mr Grainger on the BBC's one-off tribute to Are You Being Served? last year.
Coronation Street bosses have promised to dedicate Thursday night's episode to Barraclough's memory.
Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "Roy was a delightful person as well as a wonderful actor and will be greatly missed by all of us connected with the programme.
"The fact that the character of Alec Gilroy was at the heart of the show for so many years and was held in such affection by so many fans is a tribute to Roy's genius, for drama as well as comedy."
Other Coronation Street stars shared their fond memories of Barraclough, with Beverley Callard telling how his comical antics made her misbehave on set.
Callard, who plays barmaid Liz McDonald, said: "I will be forever indebted to Roy, he was one of the people who trained me in all the skills required for working in a long-running series like this.
"He almost got me sacked many times because he made me laugh so much.
"It was a joy to be in his company, he was one of the funniest people I knew and he had the biggest heart.
"I feel honoured to have known and worked with him."
Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, said: "Roy's passing has come as a huge and sad shock.
"I learnt so much from Roy and was very proud to call him a friend. He was always lovely to me and I will miss him very much.
"He gave so much to entertaining people and will be very much missed."
Denise Black, who returned to the soap as Denise Osbourne this week, told Loose Women he was a "lovely man", and Denise Welch added on Twitter: "So sad to hear about the loss of Roy Barraclough.
"Such a naturally funny and lovely man. Many happy memories xx."