Coronation Street actor Stephen Hancock dies aged 89

Hancock was a regular on the soap for 11 years

Stephen Hancock has died aged 89 (Rex)

The Coronation Street actor Stephen Hancock has passed away aged 89.

Hancock, who was born in County Durham, began his acting career in theatre. He went on to play the character of Earnest Bishop, a shy wages clerk, on the soap from 1967 until 1978.

His character was written off during a burglary at Mike Baldwin's factory after he contested the way the wage structure at that time favoured some longer serving actors, according to The Guardian. His was the first violent death to appear on Coronation Street.

A spokesperson for ITV said: ”We are saddened to hear of Stephen's death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“In Ernest Bishop, Stephen created a character that will always be remembered by Coronation Street fans. Ernest's dramatic exit from the soap is still one of the most memorable moments in the show's history.”

Hancock’s wife Jocelyne Page died in 2012. He is survived by his two daughters Gemma, a casting director, and Phyllida, an actress.