MUCH-LOVED EMMERDALE ACTOR CLIVE HORNBY DIES AT 63

Clive Hornby, the actor who played Jack Sugden on ITV1's Emmerdale, has died aged 63.

A spokeswoman for the soap confirmed that Hornby, the show's longest-serving cast member, passed away on Thursday night.

The actor, who also starred in Gerry Anderson's Space 1999, army comedy Get Some In and Minder, had not appeared on Emmerdale in the last three months due to ill health.

Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said of Hornby's death: "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.

"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 found initial fame in the 1960s as the drummer of Liverpool band the Dennisons, before attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

He took over the role of Jack Sugden in 1980, having initially signed on a three-month contract, and remained on the show for 28 years.