Royle Family and Emmerdale actor Peter Martin dies aged 82

Doreen Keogh as Mary Carroll with Peter Martin as Joe Carroll in The Royle Family

Actor Peter Martin, who starred in The Royle Family and Brassed Off, has died aged 82.

Mr Martin, born in Gainsborough, was also known for his roles in Emmerdale and the original BBC series of All Creatures Great and Small.

Ricky Tomlinson, who appeared with Mr Martin in The Royle Family, paid tribute to the actor.

He said Mr Martin was an "absolute joy to work with and a brilliant actor", adding he would be "sadly missed".

Roxanne Pallett, playing Jo Stiles, kisses Peter Martin in a scene from Emmerdale in 2005

Mr Martin starred as neighbour Joe Carroll in The Royle Family, and as Len Reynolds in Emmerdale between 2001 and 2007.

He lived in Hessle for 25 years and later moved to Barrow upon Humber.

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Mr Martin played Ernie in 1996 film Brassed Off, which also starred Pete Postlethwaite and Ewan McGregor.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band, which inspired the film, said members were "saddened to hear" of the actor's death.

In a statement released on social media the group said Mr Martin had an "illustrious career" and added: "Band members say that Peter was exactly like his character, Ernie - dry and always ready with a wise crack. He would have fitted into the band well in real life."

Peter Martin playing a gas board man in Coronation Street in 1987

Peter Martin with actress Meg Johnson, who played Pearl Ladderbanks, in Emmerdale

Peter Martin as Joe, Ricky Tomlinson as Jim and Geoffrey Hughes as Twiggy in The Royle Family

The cast of TV series The Royle Family in 1999

Peter Martin, who starred in The Royle Family and Brassed Off, has died