Kenneth Cope, star of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and Coronation Street, dies aged 93

Kenneth Cope, renowned for his roles in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Coronation Street, and the Carry On films, has died at the age of 93.

Best known for portraying Marty Hopkirk, the ghost detective in the ITV supernatural series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Cope was also a familiar face on Coronation Street, where he played the lovable rogue Jed Stone in the UK's longest-running soap opera.

His family released a statement through his former agent, Sandra Chalmers of the Artists Partnership, announcing his peaceful passing in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones. They paid tribute to Cope, calling him "an incredible icon of British TV and film" whose career spanned six decades, contributing to "some of the most iconic moments in British culture." They also celebrated his natural gift for comedy.

A proud Liverpudlian and lifelong Everton supporter, Cope began his career in theatre before transitioning to television and film, where he became known for his comedic talent. His career flourished as he became a household name across both mediums.

In a 1994 interview, Cope reflected fondly on his time filming Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), recalling the joy and sunny days on set. "As a kid, you wanted to be Superman, to do magical things. Randall and Hopkirk had that sense of escapism," he said, attributing the show’s enduring appeal to the fun they had while making it.

However, it was his earlier role as Jed Stone in Coronation Street that catapulted Cope to fame in the 1960s. Playing a charming thief who became a lodger and confidant to Minnie Caldwell, Cope appeared in over 100 episodes between 1961 and 1966, and briefly returned to the show in 2008 and 2009. The soap's producers expressed their sorrow at his passing, calling him a "talented actor and writer" and remembering him fondly for his role as Sonny Jim.

Cope’s contributions to British comedy extended to the beloved Carry On films, starring in Carry On at Your Convenience and Carry On Matron, along with an uncredited role in Carry On Jack.

Actor Robin Askwith, who worked with Cope on an episode of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) in 1969, shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), describing Cope as "individual, encouraging, and generous."

Kenneth Cope’s legacy as a versatile and cherished character actor will long be remembered by fans of British television and film.