Roy Barraclough

Roy Barraclough MBE (born 12th July, 1935) is a British comic actor best known for his role on Coronation Street as shifty Rovers Return Inn landlord and theatrical agent Alec Gilroy. Prior to his first apperance as Alec in 1972, Roy had been cast in the programme twice previously, as a Blue John Mines Tour Guide in 1965, then as window cleaner I-spy Dwyer in 1968. Alec Gilroy was made a permenant character on the Street in 1986 when he became manager of The Graffiti Club, and he was soon married off to Bet Lynch in what was to become a popular partnership with viewers behind the Rovers bar.

Roy left the programme in 1992, but appeared in the QE2 spin-off video in 1995, and returned to the Street for one more stint as Alec from 1996 to 1998. Away from the cobbles, he is well-remembered for his 1970s comedy partnership with Les Dawson. He has also appeared in episodes of George And Mildred, Bergerac, Cadfael, Last Of The Summer Wine and Holby City.

Roy was awarded the MBE in 2006 for his charity work.