Former Coronation Street and Eastenders actor Duggie Brown has died at the age of 82, his manager has announced.

The comedian and actor first found fame in Ken Loach’s 1969 film Kes, based on Barry Hines’ novel, and became one of the most well-known comedians of his generation.

During a career spanning more than five decades, Brown was a stalwart of comedy, documentaries and dramas, appearing in All Creatures Great And Small, Heartbeat, Hotel Babylon, EastEnders, Holby City and My Brother’s Keeper.

His manager, Lee Morgan, tweeted: “It is with a heavy heart I share the news the very talented Comedian & Actor Duggie Brown passed away this morning with his wife Jackie by his side.

“What an honour it was to work with Duggie. A born entertainer who loved his profession. RIP Duggie Brown. We love & salute you.”

Celebrities rush to pay tribute to Duggie Brown following death

In 2002 he starred alongside Martin Clunes and Keeley Hawes in the thriller A Is For Acid, based on the life of serial killer John George Haigh.

Clunes told the PA news agency: “Duggie was a lovely, funny funny man who made me laugh and laugh even when I was supposed to be concentrating on playing a mass murderer.”

On hearing the news, actor Neil Hurst said it was a “sad day”.

He tweeted: “Beyond sad to hear that my ol’ pal Duggie Brown has passed away.

“One of my very first telly jobs was with Duggie back in 1997 and I was lucky to appear in so many shows with him since. Genuinely one of the nicest and funniest guys in the business.”

British comic Tommy Cannon also tweeted: “Really sad to hear about the passing of Duggie Brown, Rest in peace pal, what a funny funny man – thinking of all your friends and family.”

Lynne Perrie, Duggie Brown’s sister, died in 2006

He was the brother of Coronation Street actress Lynne Perrie, who shot to fame playing Ivy Tilsley for 15 years and who died in 2006.

Brown, who played Ted Spear in Coronation Street, was inducted into the Grand Order of Water Rats charitable organisation and in 2020 took on the title King Rat.