Coronation Street actor John St Ryan, who portrayed lorry driver Charlie Whelan in the ITV soap from 1993 to 1994, has died at the age of 72 following a heart attack. The actor passed away surrounded by family on 3 April, his wife Joyce confirmed in a Facebook post.

“I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April. We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral. Later, we will arrange a celebration of his wonderful life.

“We are all fortunate to have known and loved this special ‘Gentleman’ as he has been described to me numerous times over the last couple of days,” she concluded.