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Islanders Pay Tribute To "Much Loved" Geoffrey Hughes

By Sun, 29 July 2012 9:14AM

People across the Isle of Wight have been paying tribute to the much loved Isle of Wight actor Geoffrey Hughes.

The former Coronation Street star has died after a battle with prostate cancer.

The actor, who was best-known for his role as binman Eddie Yates in the long-running ITV soap, passed away on Friday night.

Mr Hughes died "peacefully in his sleep" after a "long courageous battle", according to his family.

Mr Hughes was rushed to hospital for intense radiotherapy in 2010 after collapsing at his Isle of Wight home. The actor had thought he had beaten prostate cancer the previous year, but the star and his wife Sue were given the news the disease had returned.

Islanders pay tribute

People from across the Isle of Wight have been paying tribute on Isle of Wight Radio's facebook page. (www.facebook.com/isleofwightradio)

Kirsten Brown wrote, "Had the honour of having him present me with my Walk the Wight medal in 2010, such a lovely, kind and talented man. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

Sue Roberts wrote, "A brilliant versatile actor a true gentleman and so brave in his fight against cancer the world and our island will miss you sir R I P."

Jan Cooper wrote, "Such a nice man, he gave me my medal for walking the Wight one year-RIP."  

TV Stars have also been paying tribute.

Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson said: "Geoff wasn't just an actor. He was my mate. I used to call him every few weeks but hadn't spoken to him in about a fortnight. It's such a loss."

Long-serving Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap, said: "I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, lovable actor, with great comedy timing.

"He will be greatly missed, one of the Street's memorable characters."

Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, said: "Geoffrey Hughes was one of the kindest, gentlest and most talented and caring men I have ever worked with. His sense of humour, even in the darkest of hours, was immeasurable. My sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Deputy Lord Lieutenant

In 2009 he was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight, making him "the official link between the island and royalty at formal engagements".

He was also heavily involved with the Earl Mountbatten Hospice in Newport and attended Walk the Wight to award people with medals on completing the walk.

Apart from Coronation Street he played Twiggy in television comedy The Royle Family and Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances. Other roles included Vernon in Heartbeat and Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins.

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