Credits include Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Coronation Street and Carry On

Kenneth Cope, who starred in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and appeared in several Carry On films, has died at the age of 93.

His former agent, Sandra Chalmers, confirmed the news, saying he was  an absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known.  A true gentleman in show business RIP’.

He died surrounded by his family yesterday in Sefton, Liverpool, the area where he was born in 1931.

Cope came to fame in the 1960s playing shady Jed Stone in in Coronation Street. In 2008 he returned to the ITV soap after 42 years' absence in a storyline that spanned several months – and marked Cope’s final acting appearance.

Early in his career was also a member of the cast of Ned Sherrin and David Frost’s groundbreaking  early 1960s satirical series That Was the Week That Was, playing a number of character roles, including a yobbish footballer constantly flicking V-signs.

He went on to play the ghost private eye Marty Hopkirk in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), above, and took leading roles in two Carry On films. 

In Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) he played obnoxious shop steward  Vic Spanner,  and in Carry On Matron he played Cyril Carter, the son of a thief who impersonates a female nurse as part of a robbery plot.

Cope gave up showbusiness to run. restaurant in Oxfordshire but in 1984, he starred in Bootle Saddles, a surreal  BBC Two sitcom about a failing themed 'cowboy village' on Merseyside which ran for just one series, His other credits include  Catweazle, Minder and Doctor Who.

He even released a single, Hands Off, Stop Mucking About, in 1963 which, although a flop led to a job as a  disc jockey with Radio Luxembourg.

A statement from Cope's family said: ’It is with great sadness the family wish to announce the passing of Kenneth Cope. Ken passed away yesterday peacefully in his sleep with his wife and family by his side.’

’An incredible icon of British TV and film known famously for his role as Marty Hopkirk in Randall and Hopkirk, Jed Stone in Coronation Street as well as part of the Carry On team. 

'His career spans six decades and contributed to some of the most iconic moments in British culture. Ken was a proud native Liverpudlian and a loyal supporter of Everton Football Club.

'He began his career in theatre quickly picking up many film and TV roles. He was a natural comedy actor and was a main contributor to the comedy series That Was The Week That Was and swiftly became a regular figure across the acting industry.

'We are deeply saddened by his passing and ask that his family are given privacy at this time. He is survived by his loving wife Renny Lister and his children Nick, Mark and Martha.'

Fellow comedy actor Robin Askwith paid tribute on X, saying: ‘So sorry to hear about Kenneth Cope passing away at 93 One of the first actors I ever worked with… Individual ,encouraging and generous…. RIP.'

• Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) is on Great! TV at 10pm tonight, while Carry On Matron  and Carry On At Your Convenience are  available to stream on ITVX.

Published: 12 Sep 2024