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Actor Clive Hornby, who played farmer Jack Sugden in ITV1 rural soap Emmerdale, died last night at the age of 63, a spokeswoman for the show said today.
Hornby, who also appeared in army sitcom Get Some In, Minder and Gerry Anderson's Space 1999, was the longest-serving cast member in the West Yorkshire-based soap's history, appearing for 28 years.
He had not been seen on screen since February because of ill health.
Hornby first appeared in the soap, then known as Emmerdale Farm, in February 1980, when he was offered a three-month contract to play farmer Jack Sugden, a character who returned to the village after previously being played by Andrew Burt.
After the character become a key part of the soap, his contract was extended and the farmer went on to get married three times and father five children.
Hornby, who was born and grew up in Liverpool, started out as an accounts clerk before enjoying success as a drummer with 1960s pop group the Dennisons.
The band played on the same bill as the Beatles at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club, but later split when the members decided to pursue other projects.
Hornby turned his hand to acting, attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before going into repertory theatre.
Anita Turner, Emmerdale series producer, paid tribute to him.
"This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened," she said. "Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years.
"He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of the cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
· To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 7239 9857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 7278 2332.
· If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
Source : Guardian.co.uk
Hornby, who also appeared in army sitcom Get Some In, Minder and Gerry Anderson's Space 1999, was the longest-serving cast member in the West Yorkshire-based soap's history, appearing for 28 years.
He had not been seen on screen since February because of ill health.
Hornby first appeared in the soap, then known as Emmerdale Farm, in February 1980, when he was offered a three-month contract to play farmer Jack Sugden, a character who returned to the village after previously being played by Andrew Burt.
After the character become a key part of the soap, his contract was extended and the farmer went on to get married three times and father five children.
Hornby, who was born and grew up in Liverpool, started out as an accounts clerk before enjoying success as a drummer with 1960s pop group the Dennisons.
The band played on the same bill as the Beatles at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club, but later split when the members decided to pursue other projects.
Hornby turned his hand to acting, attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before going into repertory theatre.
Anita Turner, Emmerdale series producer, paid tribute to him.
"This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened," she said. "Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years.
"He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of the cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
· To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 7239 9857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 7278 2332.
· If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
Source : Guardian.co.uk
