Emmerdale soap star Clive Hornby died last night at the age of 63, it was announced today.
Hornby, who played Jack Sugden, was the longest-serving cast member in the British show.
His last scenes were broadcast in February, but the star had been determined to beat a mystery illness and return to work.
Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: “This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened.
“Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years.
“He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of the cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Hornby first walked on to the Emmerdale set on February 19, 1980, after being offered a three-month contract. He took over the role from Andrew Burt, who had played Sugden since the first episode.
Recently, the star said of his longevity on the soap: “I can’t believe I’m still here sometimes. Some of the kids in the show weren’t even born when I started.
“But I love it. I must be a survivor because 28 years is a long time to survive in a soap. I can’t imagine leaving”.
His character was married three times, had five children, and suffered plenty of on-screen strife.
Despite the changes to the show, originally called Emmerdale Farm, one thing remained consistent for flat cap and wax jacket-wearing Sugden.
“Believe it or not, I still wear the same cap,” Hornby recently said, “the one I was given on my first day”.
Sugden’s first wife Pat was killed off in a car crash in 1986 — the first of many tragedies for his character.
In real life, he went on to marry Helen Weir, who played Pat. They divorced eight years ago and have a son, Tom.
Sugden was one of the soap’s favourite characters and started out as a ladies man.
His on-screen dramas have included the death of his second wife in a barn fire, his arrest for her murder before the real culprit was discovered, being shot at by his son and almost being killed in a fire.
Hornby was born and raised in Liverpool and started his working life as an accounts clerk.
PA