Coronation Street and Carry On star Kenneth Cope dies as tributes pour in for 'true gentleman'

Coronation Street star Kenneth Cope has died aged 93 as tributes have been paid to the established British actor who appeared in several Carry On filmes

British TV and film actor Kenneth Cope has died aged 93.

Actor Kenneth, known for appearing in Coronation Street and several Carry On films, has died at the age of 93, his former agent has said. The actor played Jed Stone, known to many as 'Sunny Jim', on the ITV soap.

Kenneth enjoyed three separate stints on the cobbles, initially as Minnie Caldwell's lodger in the early 60s, again in 1966 and then once more on 2008. The actor also starred as Ray Hilton in Channel 4 soap Brookside between 1999 and 2002.

The actor's death was confirmed online by agent Sandra Chalmers, who wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP."

Kenneth died in the seaside town of Southport in Sefton, Liverpool, where he was born in 1931. He leaves his wife of 63 years Renny Lister and their daughter Martha Cope.

Martha followed in her father's footsteps and starred in EastEnders as Sandy Gibson. The British actor's credits also include the ghost detective Marty Hopkirk in the original run of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and appeared in two Carry On films. Kenneth had roles in Minder and A Touch of Frost amongst other TV credits.

Coronation Street has paid tribute to Kenneth Cope. A spokesperson for the ITV series said: "Kenneth's portrayal of Jed Stone, also known as Sonny Jim, on Coronation Street between 1961 and 1966 made him a firm favourite with the soap's fans.

"He was a talented actor and writer and we were delighted when he agreed to reprise the role 42 years later in 2008. We are sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Tributes for the actor have also poured in from fans as one tweeted: "I am so sorry to hear that Kenneth Cope has died. I used to love "Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" when I was a kid! Such a versatile and talented actor. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. RIP."

Another said: "Absolutely gutted to hear that Kenneth Cope has died. He was brilliant in everything he did (Vic Spanner in 'Carry On At Your Convenience' was a triumph), but he'll always be Marty Hopkirk to me."

Kenneth appeared in more than 100 episodes of Coronation Street from 1961 to 1963. He then returned in 2008, reprising his role of Jed Stone for a storyline involving Tony Gordon, played by Gray O'Brien, that spanned several months. Tony planned to redevelop a series of properties but Jed stood his ground and refused to be moved.

The villain confronted Jed and delayed called an ambulance when he had a stroke. After spending several months in hospital, Jed was sent home only to discover Tony had cleared him.

Jed eventually moved in with Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) and Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) before becoming embroiled in a blackmail plot with Tony, demanding money for forcing him out of his home. The storyline came to a head when Tony strangled Jed, but failed to kill him, before offering him a flat away from the cobbles if he kept quiet.

Coronation Street viewers watched as Tony used Jed as a pawn in a sick game with Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) who was convinced he'd killed her husband Liam (Rob James-Collier). Jed's final moments on the soap involved an explosive showdown with Tony's associate Jimmy Dockerson (Robert Beck). The showdown resulted in Jed being admitted to hospital after having a heart attack.

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