EMMERDALE legend Richard Thorp has died aged 81.
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The actor was the ITV1 rural soap's longest serving cast member after playing much-loved character Alan Turner in the show for more than 30 years.
Leading tributes to the star, who first appeared in the show on March 23, 1982, series producer Kate Oates said: "Richard's death is a sad loss to Emmerdale, of which he was at the heart for so many wonderful years.
"Richard had a brilliant sense of humour and he will be missed by every single member of our production whose lives he touched."
In a post on their website, ITV said: "On behalf of the cast, crew and production team at Emmerdale, we are extremely sad to hear of Richard's death.
"A pillar of the show, he will be greatly missed around the Emmerdale studios but will forever live on in all the wonderful memories we all have of him.
"Richard was a true professional and a complete gentleman. His charm, wit and effortless grace will be sorely missed."
Gemma Oaten – who plays Rachel Breckle in Emmerdale – paid tribute to Richard by posting a picture on Twitter of the two of them together.
She wrote: "As I'll always remember him. A joy. RIP Richard Thorp."
Richard, who will be seen in tomorrow night's edition of Emmerdale, also starred as Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay in the iconic 1955 movie The Dam Busters and portrayed Doug Randall in Crossroads.
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RIP Richard
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