Coronation Street's Alan Rothwell dies aged 89

Alan Rothwell, an original cast member of the ITV soap opera Coronation Street who portrayed David Barlow in its debut episode in December 1960, has died at the age of 89.

The soap confirmed Rothwell's death on Thursday via its official social media channels, posting a tribute that read, "We're very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell's passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time. 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."

Born in Oldham, Lancashire, in 1937, Rothwell had prior experience in radio drama, voicing Jimmy Grange in The Archers. He joined Coronation Street as David, the brother of Ken Barlow, a character still played by William Roache, the soap's longest-serving actor. The Barlow brothers contrasted sharply: Ken embraced literature, while David chased a professional football career until an injury ended it prematurely. David's storyline concluded offscreen with his death two years after Rothwell's final appearance in 1968.

Rothwell's tenure spanned eight years with intermittent appearances. He was a regular from the show's launch...