Coronation Street and Mrs Brown’s Boys star Frank Grimes dies aged 78

Coronation Street star Frank Grimes has passed away aged 78.

The BAFTA winner and Tony Award nominee, best known for his role as Barry Connor in the ITV soap, died on August 1 surrounded by his family following a short illness.

Describing Frank as ‘one of Ireland’s greatest actors,’ The Irish Cultural Centre in London said: he was ‘so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.

‘We know that Ireland has lost one of it’s truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.

‘We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.’

The Centre continued: ‘We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his 7 grandchildren and to all his extended family.

‘We also send our condolences to all of Frank’s friends and loved ones – May Frank sleep easy now and Rest In Peace.’

On the cobbles, Frank’s character Barry was the father of Michelle (Kym Marsh), Liam (Rob James-Collier) and Paul (Sean Gallagher) and arrived in 2008.

Dublin-born Barry moved to Manchester after meeting wife Helen. They were also joined by Barry’s second cousin Johnny Connor (Richard Hawley), who ended up having two children, Aidan (Shayne Ward) and Kate (Faye Brookes).

But unbeknownst to everyone else, Johnny was carrying a secret that he was also father to Carla Connor.

The character’s backstory was strengthened with events that happened years before he appeared – such as one notable moment from 1993, when Johnny’s partner Louisa discovered that he had an affair with Sharon Donovan. The aftermath of this saw Louisa get killed after getting hit by a car.

Johnny attempted to convince Barry that he should return to Ireland, terrified that Aidan and Kate would learn the truth and blame him for their mother’s death. By this point though, Carla had begun a relationship with Paul Connor and as a result, Barry and Helen returned to Ireland without any of their children.

In 2013, Barry returned to the cobbles to see Michelle, but didn’t disclose the real reason for his return. Shortly after his temporary move to the Rovers Return, Barry admitted to sleeping with Helen’s friend Aoife. After Helen caught them together, she requested a divorce.

Michelle took Barry back to Dublin in the hope he could sort things out with Helen.

He made 55 appearances, last appearing in 2015 at the wedding of Michelle to Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).

Beginning his career on stage, he also made a number of other soap appearances, including in The Bill, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors. In 2013, he starred in BBC sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys.

He also appeared in Irish soap Fair City.

This is a developing story, more to follow.