Coronation Street and Only Fools and Horses star David Daker dies

Tributes poured in

The news was announced by the British actor's family who announced that he died on 30 April, with the news only being made public on 21 June.

Best known for his roles in Boon and Only Fools and Horses, Daker was the youngest of five siblings and developed an early passion for acting, first taking to the stage while still in infant school. 

He began his acting career in the BBC drama Z Cars, where he appeared as PC Owen Culshaw in more than 80 episodes, marking an early and steady presence on British television. 

From 1968 until 1985, he appeared sporadically in the roles of Gordon Lewis Basil Griffin on Coronation Street, and was seen in a total of 31 episodes.

He later went on to establish himself further with his role as Harry Crawford, the close friend of Ken Boon and a central figure in the comedy-drama series Boon, which attracted audiences of around 15 million across its seven-season run from 1986 to 1992.

He also appeared in Only Fools and Horses as Tommy Mackay, the volatile and estranged husband of a woman who becomes romantically involved with Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst.

His other screen credits include appearances in series such as Minder, Thriller, Hazell and Rising Damp. 

He also featured twice in Doctor Who as Irongron, played the father of young Kevin in Time Bandits, and appeared as the desk sergeant in I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle.

Additionally, he took on several classical roles in BBC adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, including Henry VI and Richard III.

By the time he was 13, he was already appearing on stage, including taking on the role of Long John Silver in a school production of Treasure Island.

However, his parents were not especially supportive of his career choice at the time and encouraged him instead to train as a draughtsman.

Daker, who was determined to pursue acting, left after just two years and went on to enrol at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School.

According to Daker, he simply went home one day and announced that he was done with the idea of a nine-to-five job, which seemed to have been the best decision he could make.

Daker was married twice. His first marriage was to Stella Newton in 1957, with whom he had a son and a daughter.

Following their divorce, he went on to marry Hilary Voisey, and the couple also had a son and a daughter.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes from fans quickly began to pour in, with many praising his talent and on-screen chemistry throughout his career.

Writing on social media, fan page Only Fools and Legends paid tribute to the actor, writing: “His chemistry with Michael Elphick in Boon created one of TV’s most memorable friendships, entertaining millions throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.”

The fan page went on to say that, whether he was cast as tough characters, comic roles or loyal supporting figures, Daker’s versatility and talent left a lasting impression on British television and theatre.

They went on: “A true character actor in every sense of the word, he’ll be fondly remembered by generations of viewers.”

He is survived by his son Tim, his wife Hilary, their daughter Rebecca, and his sister Hazel.