Coronation Street star Alan Rothwell has died at the age of 89 on Thursday 'following a short illness'. 

The actor was best known for playing David Barlow, brother of soap legend Ken, in the original cast of the ITV soap in the 60s. 

Remarkably Alan, who was born in Oldham in 1937, made his debut in the ITV soap's very first episode which aired back in December 1960. 

Alan's family has shared the sad news of his passing with Press Association.

The statement read: 'Alan was a professional radio, television, film and stage actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years.

'Alan died peacefully in hospital following a short illness.

'Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

'He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.'

And the official Coronation Street Instagram page also shared their condolences. 

They penned: 'We're very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell's passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.

'He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.'

Fellow Corrie star Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, paid tribute to Alan.

She said: 'So sad to hear this. Alan was also a drama teacher at our drama school and I have such fond memories of being taught by him… he was a wonderful man.'

Alan, who played Jimmy Grange in The Archers, landed the role of his career in 1960, taking on the part of David Barlow in Tony Warren's Coronation Street upon its TV debut.

Alan played David on and off across eight years. He was initially a regular cast member before being written out a year later.

David made on and off returns between 1963 and 1964, before becoming a mainstay once more until his exit in 1968.

The character was famously very different from Ken, who had a love of literature. David pursued a career in football – though he would later be forced to retire after sustaining an injury during a match.

David was killed off off-screen two years after his last appearance.

Away from the cobbles, Alan would go on to appear in a number of other soaps including playing a community lawyer in Brookside shortly after its debut in 1985, and landed the role of Nicholas Black in the Channel 4 soap for a year.

Nicholas was the husband of original Brookie character Heather Black, formerly Huntington, and he appeared in 56 episodes. 

David, meanwhile, also played several roles in Emmerdale, including a judge in 1993 and the more regular part of John Kenyon between 1997 and 1998.

He also appeared in Casualty, playing various parts over the years.

Away from the world of soap, David starred in Queer As Folk, The Musketeers and All Creatures Great and Small. 

Alan was also married to Marjorie Ward from 1961 until their divorce in March 1967 and they shared two children together.

He went on to marry Maureen Haydon in April 1967, and they were married until 1999 and also shared two children.