Former Coronation Street actor Frank Grimes has died at 78-years-old, as confirmed by The Irish Cultural Centre.

The actor made his Coronation Street debut back in 2008 and appeared in regular intervals up until 2015. He took on the role of Barrington “Barry” Connor in the ITV soap.

Barry was the father of Paul Connor, Liam Connor and Michelle Connor, but his last appearance in the soap was ten years ago for Michelle’s wedding to Steve McDonald.

The actor died on August 1 after a “very short illness”, and was surrounded by his loved ones at the time.

Frank also starred in Mrs Brown’s Boys and other shows such as A Bridge Too Far, Tulips of Harlem, The Outsider and Blind Justice. Viewers may also remember him with guest roles in the likes of Doctors and Casualty as well as Holby City.

The official statement posted on Facebook said: “It’s with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the ICC has to regretfully inform you that the great Irish actor Frank Grimes suddenly sadly passed away in the early hours of Friday morning, August 1st, after a very short illness, surrounded by his wife and family.

“Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC’s and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC’s stage on so many occasions. Anyone who saw Frank perform his riveting self-penned production “the he and the she of it…’A Portrait of James Joyce’, will know what a thrilling, powerful, unforgettable performance it was!!

“Frank performed this superb tribute to his hero James Joyce, on whom he was an expert, three times at the ICC, and each time, every night he received standing ovations! Frank was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful mesmerising voice and he often appeared on the radio show ‘Bright Side Of The Road’…”

It continued: “Frank was so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes. We know that Ireland has lost one of it’s truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.

“We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.

“We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his 7 grandchildren and to all his extended family. We also send our condolences to all of Frank’s friends and loved ones – May Frank sleep easy now and Rest In Peace..”

He is survived by his wife Ginnette, daughter Tilly, son Andrew and his seven grandchildren.