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  "path": "/latest/who-was-alan-rothwell-original-coronation-street-star-dies-at-89/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T07:54:48.000Z",
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    "Who was Alan Rothwell? Original ‘Coronation Street’ star dies at 89",
    "HUM News English"
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  "textContent": "Veteran actor Alan Rothwell, best known to generations of viewers for playing David Barlow in the original cast of  _Coronation Street_ , has died at the age of 89 following a short illness.\n\nThe Oldham-born performer appeared in ITV’s long-running soap from its launch in 1960 until 1969, becoming one of the programme’s earliest familiar faces during its formative years. His family confirmed on Thursday that Rothwell had “died peacefully in hospital”, remembering him not only for his acting career but also as a devoted family man.\n\n## Who was Alan Rothwell?\n\nRothwell’s connection to  _Coronation Street_ stretched back long before the cameras began rolling.\n\nThe actor had known the soap’s creator, Tony Warren, since childhood after the pair worked together on BBC Radio’s  _Children’s Hour_. According to reports, Warren later wrote the role of David Barlow with Rothwell specifically in mind, helping secure the actor’s place in television history when the soap first aired in 1960.\n\nDuring his nine years on the programme, Rothwell played David Barlow, the brother of Ken Barlow, portrayed by William Roache. His time on the soap coincided with  _Coronation Street_ ’s rise into one of Britain’s defining television institutions.\n\n## Beyond 'Coronation Street'\n\nAlthough many viewers remembered Rothwell for his time on the cobbles, his career stretched far beyond Weatherfield.\n\nHe later appeared in television series including  _Gideon’s Way_ ,  _The Villains_ and Channel 4 soap  _Brookside_ , where he played Nicholas Black during the 1980s.\n\nFor younger audiences, Rothwell also became a familiar face as presenter of children’s programmes  _Picture Box_ and  _Hickory House_ , introducing him to a new generation of viewers outside traditional drama roles. More recently, he made appearances in programmes including  _Doctors_.\n\nFollowing news of his death, William Roache paid tribute to his former co-star, describing Rothwell as “a very good actor and a delightful man”.\n\n_Coronation Street_ also shared condolences, remembering Rothwell as one of the programme’s original cast members who created a “memorable character” in David Barlow.\n\nBeyond his screen career, Rothwell’s family said he would be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle who would be “deeply missed”.\n\nThe post Who was Alan Rothwell? Original ‘Coronation Street’ star dies at 89 appeared first on HUM News English.",
  "title": "Who was Alan Rothwell? Original ‘Coronation Street’ star dies at 89"
}