Coronation Street and Randall and Hopkirk: Deceased star Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93, with tributes pouring in for the actor.

Kenneth Cope, a beloved actor from ITV soap Coronation Street, has passed away at the age of 93.

His acting agent, Sandra Chalmers, announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday (September 12), stating: “Announcing the passing of a true icon Kenneth Cope.”

“An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP.”

Cope with his wife Renny Lister (Image: PA)

A social media user paid tribute, writing: “Farewell to Kenneth Cope, gone at 93. Loved him in everything he did from Coronation Street, The Avengers, Doctor Who, several Carry On films but he will forever be the ghostly Marty Hopkirk for me in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) A series way ahead of its time.”

Kenneth’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, beginning with his first role in the 1953 mini-series Johnny, You’re Wanted. He became a familiar face on television, securing regular roles and achieving fame as Marty Hopkirk in the 1969 series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), reports the Daily Star.

Kenneth Cope has passed away aged 93 (Image: Daily Mirror)

He featured in several Carry On films, including Carry On At Your Convenience and Carry On Matron, and made appearances in Doctor Who as Packard in 1981. Additionally, he had roles in the medical drama Casualty.

However, Kenneth was perhaps most cherished for his contributions to British soaps. He portrayed Ray Hilton in Brookside, featuring in over 150 episodes from 1999 to 2002.

Moreover, he was well-known for his role as Jed Stone in Coronation Street, to which he returned several times between 1961 and 2009.

Beyond his acting career, Kenneth tied the knot with actress Renny Lister, a fellow Coronation Street star. The couple have two sons, Nick and Mark, who established the rock band The Candyskins, and a daughter, Martha.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, Martha has also graced the screens of Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders.

Coronation Street’s Kenneth Cope will be sorely missed by many (Image: GETTY)

Despite formerly playing a ghost private eye, opposite Mike Pratt’s Jeff Randall in Randall and Hopkirk, he’s now playing a ghost for real – as pointed out by ex-LBC radio host Steve Allen.

He revealed that he was a “huge fan” of his on Twitter today, as he joined others in mourning the loss.

Branded an “incredible icon of TV and film”, he’s likely to be sorely missed by many.

He sadly died at home in the quiet seaside town of Southport in Liverpool, the area where he was born.

Kenneth played Jed Stone on Corrie (Credit: Photo by Mark Campbell/Shutterstock)

Jed was last seen on the cobbles in 2009 (Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock)

Kenneth Cope as Jed Stone during his most recent appearance in Corrie