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  "path": "/celebrity/alan-rothwell-coronation-street-dead-itv",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-14T18:11:20.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Angela Scanlon addresses Scott Mills' BBC Eurovision axe as she makes stance clear on replacing host",
    "Britney Spears' team fires back after singer accused of 'barking and carrying knife' in restaurant",
    "Former UK Eurovision star shares true feelings on Look Mum No Computer entry: 'Not my cup of tea!'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nAlan Rothwell has died aged 89, with Coronation Street paying tribute to one of the soap's original stars more than six decades after its first episode aired.\n\nThe actor portrayed David Barlow in the ITV programme and appeared in Coronation Street's inaugural broadcast in December 1960.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMr Rothwell's character was the brother of Ken Barlow, who remains a fixture on the cobbles to this day. The soap confirmed his death on Thursday through its official social media channels.\n\nBorn in Oldham, Lancashire, Mr Rothwell became part of television history when Tony Warren's creation first appeared on British screens more than 60 years ago.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPrior to landing his breakthrough role, Mr Rothwell had already established himself in radio drama, voicing Jimmy Grange in The Archers.\n\nHis time as David Barlow spanned eight years, although his appearances were intermittent.\n\nAfter initially serving as a regular cast member from December 1960 until June 1961, he departed the programme before returning for occasional episodes in 1963 and 1964.\n\nThe actor later resumed the role full-time before making his final appearance in 1968.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDavid Barlow was later killed off-screen two years after the actor's departure from the soap.\n\nThe Barlow brothers were portrayed as very different personalities, with Ken passionate about literature while David pursued a professional football career before an injury forced him into early retirement.\n\nFollowing his departure from Weatherfield, Mr Rothwell continued to work extensively across British television.\n\nHe joined Channel 4's Brookside shortly after its launch in 1985, initially appearing as a community lawyer before later taking on the role of Nicholas Black.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Angela Scanlon addresses Scott Mills' BBC Eurovision axe as she makes stance clear on replacing host\n  * Britney Spears' team fires back after singer accused of 'barking and carrying knife' in restaurant\n  * Former UK Eurovision star shares true feelings on Look Mum No Computer entry: 'Not my cup of tea!'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe actor also appeared several times in Emmerdale, portraying a judge in 1993 before later playing John Kenyon between 1997 and 1998.\n\nHis other television credits included Casualty and Heartbeat, where he portrayed Reverend Jackson.\n\nCoronation Street paid tribute to the actor on X, writing: \"We're very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell's passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.\n\n\"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.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMs Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor in the soap, also shared her memories of the late actor.\n\nShe wrote: \"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.\"\n\nFans of the star have been leaving their own heartfelt tributes online.\n\n\"Used to watch him on Hickory’s House, so sad, RIP Alan,\" one fan posted on X, as another added: \"I remember him from Corrie but also pantomimes in Hunstanton which were hilarious! RIP Alan & thoughts to his family!\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA third fan posted: \"RIP Alan. My mum & grandma used to visit his mum when they worked in the mills in Shaw.\"\n\nAnother added: \"REST IN PEACE ALAN.\"\n\nSomeone else penned: \"This is sad news. R.I.P.\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Coronation Street legend dies aged 89 as tributes pour in for star"
}