ITV Coronation Street legend who played Don Brennan dies as tributes pour in

Geoffrey Hinsliff has died at the age of 87, the ITV soap has confirmed. The actor appeared on the cobbles as Don Brennan from 1987 to 1997

Coronation Street has confirmed the passing of soap legend Geoffrey Hinsliff at the age of 87.

The actor, renowned for his role as Don Brennan on the show from 1987 to 1997, had previously appeared in other roles on the street in 1963 and 1977 before securing his full-time part.

Geoffrey's character became one of the most notorious villains in Corrie history, with storylines involving kidnapping and attempted murder.

His portrayal of Don Brennan saw him buy MVB motors from Mike Baldwin, only to develop a grudge when the business failed.

In one of the soap's most dramatic moments, he kidnapped Mike's wife Alma and drove their car into a canal, though both survived. Later, Don tried to run Mike over but ultimately died when his car crashed and exploded, reports the Mirror.

Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, paid tribute by saying: "Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all. His partnership with Lynne Perry was something rather special and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years."

Born in Leeds in 1937, Geoffrey discovered his passion for acting early on and began his career with the Leeds Service of Youth Players in 'Outward Bound' by Sutton Vane at the Civic Theatre in Leeds in November 1954.

The actor was a graduate of RADA and made his television debut in an episode of Z-Cars. His acting career included roles in Adam Adamant Lives!

, Dixon of Dock Green, UFO, Crown Court, The Professionals and Heartbeat.

He also had a part as a wireless operator in the film A Bridge Too Far.

In 1978, Hinsliff played a sergeant in an episode of the gritty British police drama The Professionals, in an episode titled When the Heat Cools Off.

In 1979, he took on the role of Doctor Astrov in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya at Leeds Playhouse, under the direction of Michael Attenborough. He also featured in the comedy-drama Brass and appeared in two Doctor Who stories: Image of the Fendahl and Nightmare of Eden.

In 2010, he guest-starred in Holby City as an alcoholic.

Geoffrey is survived by his wife, Judith E Seel, whom he married in 1967, and their two children.