Actor Clive Hornby, who played Jack Sugden in ITV1 soap Emmerdale, has died at the age 63.

It was announced in January that Hornby would be taking a break from the soap because of ill health.

The actor had been in Emmerdale for 28 years after signing up on a three-month contract and was the soap's longest-serving cast member.

Hornby, the third actor to play Jack Sugden, enjoyed success as drummer with 1960s Liverpool band The Dennisons.

Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said she was "deeply saddened" by "a devastating loss".

"Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years," she said.

"He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of cast and a terrific actor."

After The Dennisons split up, Hornby became an actor - attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before working in repertory theatre.

He went on to appear in a number of TV shows including Gerry Anderson's Space 1999 and army sitcom Get Some In, which also starred My Family actor Robert Lindsay.

He also appeared in comedy series Minder alongside George Cole.

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