Soap Legend Remembered Fondly

Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has paid tribute to former co-star Alan Rothwell following his death at the age of 89.

It was announced on Thursday, May 14, that Rothwell, best known for playing David Barlow in Coronation Street, had died in hospital after a short illness.

Riley, 49, worked with Rothwell on the 2005 Fat Friends episode “Angel’s Delight,” from creator Kay Mellor. The pair also appeared on Emmerdale during the same period in the late 1990s. Rothwell played John Kenyon for seven episodes in 1997 and 1998, while Riley had joined the ITV soap as Mandy Dingle in 1995.

Posting a photo of Rothwell on Instagram, Riley remembered him as “the truest meaning of GENTLEMEN.”

Her tribute drew responses from fellow soap stars. Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon shared her sadness, while Brookside actor Louis Emerick also remembered Rothwell fondly and mentioned recently speaking about him with Rothwell’s son, Ben. One viewer also recalled his work on the children’s programme Picture Box.

Rothwell’s screen career lasted more than seven decades, covering television, radio, film, and theatre. He first joined Coronation Street in December 1960 and appeared until June 1961, later returning in 1963 and 1964 before resuming the role regularly from 1964 to 1968.

As David Barlow, he became part of one of the soap’s foundational families, whose legacy continued through characters such as Ken Barlow, played by William Roache.

Rothwell was also known for presenting the long-running children’s programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.

His family said he died peacefully in hospital and would be deeply missed by relatives, friends, colleagues, and viewers touched by his work.