Overview
- Rothwell’s family confirmed his death in May, saying he died peacefully in hospital after a short illness and describing a career that spanned more than seven decades.
- Coronation Street broadcast an on‑screen memorial at the end of its Monday episode with a title card reading “In memory of ALAN ROTHWELL 1937‑2026.”
- He originated the role of David Barlow when the soap launched in 1960, appearing regularly through the 1960s and returning for later spells.
- Colleagues and fans responded with tributes, including comments from William 'Bill' Roache who called Rothwell a very good actor and a delightful man, and emotional posts on fan pages.
- Beyond Corrie, Rothwell’s work included Brookside and presenting children’s programmes, and his passing has prompted renewed retrospectives on the early history of British soap television.