'Coronation Street' star Peter Armitage has died aged 78.

Peter Armitage

Peter Armitage

The late actor was known for portraying Bill Webster, the father of mechanic Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) and grandfather of Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) on and off on the ITV soap from 1984 to 2011.

Charlie Lawson - who plays Jim McDonald - wrote on Twitter: "It's with great sadness, that I've to tell you my great old friend Pete Armitage has died. RIP mate. (sic)"

Several 'Corrie' stars took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late actor - who also appeared alongside Sir David Jason in sitcom 'Lucky Feller' - including Simon Gregson, who plays Jim's son Steve McDonald.

He tweeted: "I loved Pete what a lovely man very sad RIP lovely man (sic)"

Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) wrote: "So sorry to hear this , lovely man . Thoughts to family and friends x (sic)"

Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby) tweeted: "Aw sad news, Charlie. He was a lovely man xxx (sic)"

Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) wrote on Twitter: "So sorry to hear this Charlie. Pete was such a lovely man.. he'll be sadly missed (sic)"

Peter starred alongside Sherrie Hewson on the soap, with her character Maureen Webster departing Weatherfield for Germany with Bill.

The couple later returned to our screens in 2006 when Bill headed back to the cobbles to visit his family, but he began an affair with Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls).

Maureen found out about their affair on Christmas Day and she headed back to Germany.

Peter first played Bill from 1984 to 1985 and then returned to Weatherfield in 1995 until 1997.

After returning again in 2006, he frequently turned up on the cobbles, but made his final appearance in December 2011.

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