Frank Grimes dead: Coronation Street legend dies as heartbroken colleagues speak out

Former Coronation Street star Frank Grimes has died aged 78, after a "short illness". The Barry Connor actor reportedly died in the early hours of Friday August 1, surrounded by his family.

Announcing the tragic news, the Irish Cultural Centre in London said Grimes was "one of Ireland's greatest actors." In a touching tribute, they said he was "so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes," before adding: "We know that Ireland has lost one of it's truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again. We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform." The tribute continued: "We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his 7 grandchildren and to all his extended family. We also send our condolences to all of Frank's friends and loved ones - May Frank sleep easy now and Rest In Peace."

Grimes was an acting legend, with roles across TV, film and theatre spanning several decades. He first appeared in ITV's Corrie back in 2008 and went on to appear in more than 50 episodes of the popular drama before leaving the show in 2015.

Some of the late star's more memorable roles also included a part in Irish telly hit Mrs Brown's Boys as well as shows such as A Bridge Too Far, Tulips of Harlem, The Outsider and Blind Justice.

Grimes originally trained at the Abbey Theatre in his hometown of Dublin. Paying tribute to the star, the theatre shared some snaps of him performing on stage to their social media page.

They wrote: "A versatile actor, Frank performed in various productions on both the Abbey and Peaock stages from 1965 to 1972, including plays by Sean O'Casey, Lady Gregory, Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Kilroy, J.M. Synge, Willliam Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw and Tom MacIntyre.

"He's pictured here, on stage, as a young Brendan Behan in the 1967 world premiere of Borstal Boy by Brendan Behan, adapted by Frank McMahon; and alongside Niall Tóibín in the rehearsal room.

"Transferring to Broadway, the production of Borstal Boy at the Lyceum Theatre in New York won the Tony Award for Best play with a Best Actor in a Play nomination for Grimes."