Emmerdale star Lisa Riley was emotional as she paid tribute to her former co-star Alan Rothwell after his death. It was announced on Thursday (May 14) that the Coronation Street legend, best known for playing David Barlow on the ITV soap, had passed away following a short illness aged 89. Lisa, 49, starred opposite Alan in an episode of Fat Friends, titled 'Angel's Delight', which originally aired in 2005.

The pair were also on Emmerdale together at the same time, when Alan portrayed John Kenyon for seven episodes in 1997 and 1998. Lisa had already been on the soap for two years, making her first appearance as Mandy Dingle in 1995. The soap star penned a heartfelt tribute to Alan on Instagram, branding him "the truest meaning of a gentleman".

Alongside an image of the late actor, Lisa penned: "Dearest Alan, may you shine down from heaven. Rest in peace. I loved working with you-you put Oldham on the map all those years ago-paved the ways for us lot. You were always the truest meaning of GENTLEMEN."

Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon commented: "Such sad news Lisa... #rip Alan, you were a wonderful man."

Louis Emerick, who starred on Brookside after Alan, echoed: "As you said Lisa,a true gentleman..a lovely, lovely man..I was only talking about him with his son,Ben...few days ago...Great and warm memories of one of our finest...#Rip..dear man..."

Another posted: "RIP Alan I remember you when I was at school watching picture box I loved that programme and always looked forward to when the teacher wheeled the TV into class on huge tall legs . So sad you're not around anymore you gave me such pleasure . Goodnight god bless you."

Alan's career spanned more than seven decades, where he made his mark on radio, television, film and on stage.

His family wrote in a statement: "Alan died peacefully in hospital following a short illness. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work."

Alan first joined Coronation Street as a regular cast member, appearing from December 1960 until June 1961 before being written out. The actor later returned for sporadic appearances in 1963 and 1964, before resuming a regular role from 1964 to 1968.

As well as acting, Alan was also the presenter of the long-running children's television programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.