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Coronation Stret actor and local Scarborough legend Tony Peers has died aged 78.
The actor, who was born in Wigan, appeared as three different characters on the soap in 1994, 1995, and 1999.
He first played the part of a delivery man, then a junk dealer and finally as Gary Malett’s father Peter.
He later made several appearances on Emmerdale over the years including as the character Bryan Dodds and a contruction worker.
Tony went on to become a stand-up comedian and also made appearances in other shows like Heartbeat and Last Of The Summer Wine.
Coronation Stret actor and local Scarborough legend Tony Peers has died aged 78
The actor, who was born in Wigan, appeared as three different characters on the soap in 1994, 1995, and 1999 (pictured with former Countdown host Richard Whiteley in 2000)
His company announced his passing, writing in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Scarborough showbiz legend Tony Peers has taken his final bow.
‘Our wonderful producer, manager and friend sadly fell asleep for the last time in the early hours of this morning.
‘All at Tony Peers Limited are devastated by this news and in Tony’s words ‘the show must go on.
‘We will be continuing to lead all future productions and keeping Tony’s pantomime legacy alive across the country for years to come.’
Scarborough Spa added: ‘Everyone at the Scarborough Spa is saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Peers.
‘Tony, who was involved in over 2,500 shows at the Spa as a performer, director, and latterly as producer of the famous Spa summer shows and Christmas pantomimes, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family and friends.’
Tony previously recalled how his mother took the TV Times around to his neighbours and showed his name in the credits when he appeared on Coronation Street.
He first played the part of a delivery man, then a junk dealer and finally as Gary Malett’s father Peter (pictured in Coronation Street)
It marked a change from when she was brought to tears after he quit a well paid job in 1969 to be a Butlin’s Redcoat in 1969 in Somerset.
Speaking to The Scarborough News in 2018, he said: ‘My mum came to see me and cried all the way home from Minehead to Liverpool. She said to my father ‘He’ll never make a living doing this; he’s a big, daft lad and he’s got no talent.’
But she was later ‘proud as punch’ years later when he began hosting a Friday night show at the holiday camp.
Tony was with his partner Glenda for 35 years, describing her as ‘the least showbiz person I know.
‘Everyone in this business is an insecure, self-absorbed egomaniac. I would get home from the Spa and start talking about work – after two minutes Glenda would be on to other things,’ he said.
‘She taught me there is more to the world than dressing up and messing about. Family is what it is all about.’
