Kenneth Cope: Randall and Hopkirk and Coronation Street star dies
Kenneth Cope, best known for his roles in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and Coronation Street, has died at the age of 75.
The actor's agent has confirmed the news in a statement. He passed away on Tuesday January 17, 2023, following a short illness.
Cope's role as Detective Constable Alfred "Fred" Standing in the original Randall and Hopkirk was one of his most notable.
He joined the successful series in 1969, taking over the role from David Kossoff. The show followed the adventures of two private detectives, Jeff Randall (Mike Pratt) and Marty Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope), who were killed in the line of duty but were brought back to life by a mysterious benefactor. Together, Randall and Hopkirk investigated bizarre and supernatural cases.
Cope's other television appearances include The Sweeney, Minder, Return of the Saint, Boon, Dixon of Dock Green, and Doctor Who.
In 2011, he joined the cast of Coronation Street as Ernest Bishop, the father of regular character Emily Bishop. He remained with the soap for two years and his character was killed off in 2013.
Tributes have been paid to Cope from his former colleagues and fellow actors.
Nick Berry, who played PC Nick Rowan in Heartbeat, tweeted: "So sad to hear the passing of Kenneth Cope, a lovely man and a great actor. RIP." Actor John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, wrote on Instagram: "I was so saddened to hear that my dear old friend Kenneth Cope has died. We go back such a long way. We worked together on stage and screen many times and I will miss him greatly."
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