Panto legend Ronne Coyles dies at 86

Ronne Coyles, who played Harry Hill’s dad on TV, has died at the age of 86.

His appearances on TV Burp, The Harry Hill Show and Shark Infested Custard came at the end of a long career on the stage.

Borne in Blyth, Northumberland, he started in showbusiness performing a number of variety turns such as juggling with blocks of ice, singing as a boy soprano, a trapeze act and tap-dancing – a passion he maintained throughout his life. 

He made Morecambe in Lancashire his home in the 1960s, and became a local hero, topping the bill at the Palace Theatre for a decade with his song-and-dance and comedy act. His contribution to the town was such that he was even dubbed ‘Mr Morecambe’ by the that other Mr Morecambe, Eric, and was last year immortalised in a mosaic as part of a town centre regeneration led by retail guru Mary Portas

Coyles was especially well known as a pantomime dame, starring in 62 productions across the country, working alongside the likes of lDale Winton, Dora Bryan, Nigel Havers… and Neil and Christine Hamilton.

Hill said: ‘He was a great bloke. He used to send me a postcard every year. I used to write to him and start with "Dear Dad".He was always smiling and he loved showbusiness. I had great respect for him as a performer and he was a great guy.’

He told the Lancaster Guardian that he started working with Coyles after ventriloquist Keith Harris told him: ‘If you ever need a funny bloke have a look at this guy.'

‘He had this great history of music hall and variety,' Hill said. 'He was an all-rounder. He could sing and dance, and was up for everything.’

Coyles suffered a stroke before Christmas and died in hospital on Friday.

Obituary from the Morcambe Visitor.

Published: 24 Jan 2017