Original Coronation Street star Philip Lowrie dies

He starred in two eras of the popular soap

The news was broken by ITV today (26 March) saying that the Lancashire-born actor passed away on Friday.

Lowrie's publicist Mario Renzullo said in a statement: "My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88.

"His death marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling."

Lowrie starred in the first ever episode of the popular Manchester-based soap opera at the age of 24 when he took up the mantle on Dennis Tanner, son of Elsie Tanner, in 1960.

Dennis quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his charm and stormy relationships.

Lowrie stayed on the show for eight years, until 1968, and wouldn't return for 43 years when he would make a dramatic return in 2011.

Ultimately, this hiatus earned the actor a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between television appearances of the same character.

Lowrie was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire (now Greater Manchester), and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.