Emmerdale actor Tony Haygarth dies, aged 72

Tributes have been paid to actor Tony Haygarth who has died, aged 72.

Haygarth, whose career on stage and screen spanned more than 40 years, “passed away peacefully” on Friday at his home in Kent.

His wife Carole Winter announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Tony Haygarth: loving father to Katie & Becky, my greatest supporter, actor of extraordinary talent RIP 1945-2017.”

His daughters Katie, 32, and Becky, 31 described their “wonderful father” as a “hero”.

Haygarth had appeared in more than 30 films throughout his career including Fakers, Dracula opposite Laurence Olivier, and Chicken Run, in which he voiced the character of Mr Tweedy.

He was also famed for TV roles including Emmerdale, Under the Greenwood Tree and Where the Heart Is.

Tony Robinson tweeted: “Tony Haygarth, a gentle man, and a fine and subtle actor. So sad for his family. RIP.”

Les Dennis said: “So very sad to hear the wonderful Tony Haygarth has died.”

Haygarth’s death comes three years after he was diagnosed with Alzhiemer's

In 2015 he spoke to the Daily Express about living with the disease and said he feared it would “severely affect” his work.

He said: “I felt a mixture of relief and trepidation when I got the [Alzheimer's] diagnosis,...It meant that I got access to a lot of services and support which has been fantastic but feared that my life was going to change significantly, and that my work would be severely affected.”