Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth on Coronation Street for decades, has died aged 71. Tarmey passed away in Tenerife on Thursday morning (November 8, 2012) and is survived by his wife Alma, son Carl and daughter Sara.

A statement reported by The Daily Mail read, "The family of Bill Tarmey have confirmed that he sadly passed away this morning in Tenerife.They have respectfully asked the media for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother." A statement from Coronation Street echoed the sentiments, reading, "The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time." Tarmey has suffered ailing health over the past couple of years, and underwent a quintuple heart bypass in 1986. He quit Coronation Street in April 2010 to spend more time with his family, after 30 years of playing Duckworth on the show. His final scenes saw Jack peacefully dying in his armchair at No.9 Coronation Street after celebrating his 74th birthday at his beloved Rovers Return pub.

The tributes have already begun flooding in for the Tarmey, with Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley tweeting, "So sad to hear that Bill Tarmey has died. #legend #RIPBILL . My deepest sympathies to all who knew him best xxx"