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Jack duckworth 50th

William Cleworth-Piddington better known as "William 'Bill' Tarmey" (4th April 1941 - 9th November 2012) was a Manchester-born actor and singer who achieved national iconic status for his portrayal of Jack Duckworth on Coronation Street, a role he played from 1979 (continuously since 1983) until 2010. Prior to his casting as Jack, Tarmey had appeared on numerous Street episodes as a background extra, mainly in the Rovers Return Inn, being credited in October 1977 as a Darts Player and in December 1978 as Jack Rowe. He also appeared in Strangers, Crown Court and The Glamour Girls.

Tarmey suffered a major heart attack in 1976, and had infrequent health problems thereafter, but that did not hinder his status as one of the programme's longest-serving and most popular actors. In 2001, a documentary entitled Jack & Bill was made about his time on Coronation Street. In 2008, it was reported in the media that he would quit the role of Jack Duckworth (his on-screen wife Elizabeth Dawn had recently left the programme due to health problems) but Bill refuted those claims and vowed to carry on until at least his thirtieth anniversary on the show.

In 2009 Tarmey became a recurring member of the cast due to his ill health, and the character was moved away from the street to live with Connie Rathbone, played by Rita May. The character would continue to make numerous visits to the street. In 2010 Tarmey quit the role after 30 years, and the character passed away in November 2010, which also included a special guest appearance from Liz Dawn who returned as a vision of Vera experienced by a dying Jack.

Tarmey's other television credits include Crown Court and Strangers. Also an accomplished singer, he released several albums.

Tarmey passed away on 9th November 2012 in Tenerife, aged 71.

Roles in Coronation Street[]

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