'Emmerdale' star Clive Hornby, who played flat-cap wearing Jack Sugden on the hit TV soap, died last night at the age of 63.
Hornby, who took over the character from Andrew Burt in 1970, played the character for 28 years making him the longest-serving cast member in the Yorkshire-based soap's history.
His last scenes were broadcast in February, but the star had been determined to beat a mystery illness and return to work.
In a statement, 'Emmerdale' producer Anita Turner said: "This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened. Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on 'Emmerdale' during the past 28 years."
She added: "He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
Hornby had previously worked as an account clerk before making his break into television via the army sitcom 'Get Some In'. He later took roles in 'Minder' and Gerry Anderson's 'Space 1999'.
