Rodney Litchfield, who starred in Coronation Street, has died at the age 81.
The Early Doors actor played pessimistic pensioner Old Tommy in the BBC sitcom and Wilfred Morton in Corrie.
Rodney passed away “peacefully” in his sleep on Saturday (September 5) after being “poorly for some time”, according to the show’s co-writer Phil Mealey.
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Rodney Litchfield dies aged 81
He wrote on Twitter: “Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time.
Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep.
“We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect.”
After that, he added: “To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won’t be the same without you. RIPx (sic)”
Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time. We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won't be the same without you. RIPx
— Phil Mealey (@PhilMealey) September 7, 2020
Mark Benton, who played Eddie Bell in Early Doors, wrote: “RIP Rodney. To the regiment… (sic)”
In addition, Christine Bottomley, who portrayed Melanie Dixon in the programme, posted: “Sorry to here one of our Early Doors family has left the building.
“Will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield #OldTommy will miss you mate (sic).”
Rodney also starred in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, alongside Paddy McGuinness, who has paid tribute to the late star.
He wrote: “RIP Rodney Lichfield aka Wild Bill in Phoenix Nights. (sic)”
Meanwhile, a fan wrote on Twitter: “Gutted. He was wonderful as Tommy! This is one of my favourite scenes in any comedy ever. To the regiment!”
https://twitter.com/JLanglor/status/1302998108406767617
In addition, another added: “So sad to hear Rodney Litchfield who played Tommy in Early Doors has passed away.
“If you ever worked behind a bar in a pub you’d have served an old Tommy at some point. Brilliant character. To the regiment.”
Meanwhile, Rodney was also no stranger to soaps, appearing in Coronation Street as Wilfred Morton, the grandfather of Jodie Morton, who was portrayed by Samantha Seager.
So sad to hear Rodney Litchfield who played Tommy in Early Doors has passed away. If you ever worked behind a bar in a pub you'd have served an old Tommy at some point. Brilliant character. To the regiment.
— Andy Davies (@AndyDavies84) September 7, 2020
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And he starred in Doctors in 2004 and Casualty in 2003.
What’s more, the actor had small parts in the likes of A Touch of Frost, Heartbeat, Cracker, and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
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