Former Coronation Street star Frank Mills died last month at the age of 93, it has been announced.
The actor played the part of Billy Williams, who joined the soap in 1995 as part of a VE Day anniversary storyline and went on to marry soap stalwart Betty (Betty Driver).
The character was one of the many axed by notorious producer Brian Park upon his arrival in 1997, however, and Billy was killed off off-screen in episodes that have coincidentally just been repeated on ITV3.
The news of Mills's death was revealed in an obituary in the Maldon Standard, which read: "Sadly passed away on 11th February, aged 93 years. Much loved Father to Paula and Ruth, Grandad to Amy, Phil and Lizi, and Great Grandad to Kara and Jack.
"Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, private funeral will take place on Monday 8th March, with a full Memorial Service planned for later in the year as a celebration of Frank's life."
Mills's other roles included parts in Rumpole of the Bailey, Hetty Wainthrop Investigates and Minder.
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