Julie Goodyear pays tribute to ‘dearest friend’ Roy Barraclough
Julie Goodyear said she has been left “devastated” by the death of her “dearest friend” and former co-star Roy Barraclough.
The actress, who starred alongside Barraclough as Alec Gilroy’s wife Bet Lynch in Coronation Street, paid an emotional tribute to the late actor who died on Thursday.
In a statement she 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 2 or 3 times every week.
Roy Barraclough - In pictures
“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.”
Barraclough died at the Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester, where he had been a patron for more than 20 years.
His agent confirmed the news in a statement: “Our client Roy Barraclough has passed away today aged 81 after a short illness.”
Barraclough starred in the ITV soap on and off for more than 20 years.
He first played the character in 1972 before stepping down for the last time in 1998.
