Rodney Litchfield was 81

Actor Rodney Litchfield, who played Old Tommy in Early Doors, has died at the age of 81.

The comedy’s writer, Phil Mealey, broke the news on Twitter, explaining that h passed away in his sleep on Saturday after being ill 'for some time'.

In the series, Old Tommy was a tight-fisted widower who always sat in The Grapes pub on his own, nursing his pint.

Mealy wrote: ‘We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won't be the same without you. RIP’

Christine Bottomley, who played Melanie, added: ‘Sorry to hear one of our Earlydoors family has left the building x will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield #OldTommy will miss you mate’

Litchfield also appeared as Wilf Morton in 23 episode of Coronation Street and Wild Bill in Phoenix Nights as well as roles in other shows  including Brookside, A Touch of Frost  and Shameless.

Here he is in Early Doors:

Published: 8 Sep 2020