Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth for many years, died this morning.

The 71-year-old left the soap in 2010 after more than 30 years playing the pigeon-fancying, loveable rogue alongside Liz Dawn, who played his wife Vera.

A life-long heavy smoker, he suffered a minor heart attack following a bypass operation in 2002.

A spokeswoman for Coronation Street announced his death.

It is believed he died while on a family holiday in Tenerife.

Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in the show, paid tribute on Twitter saying: ''Goodnight Bill Tarmey. You were the best. We'll miss you so much x''

A statement from the show said: ''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.''

His family asked ''for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother''.