Coronation Street actor and stand-up star dies aged 78

Coronation Street actor and local legend Tony Peers has died aged 78. The Wigan-born entertainer appeared on the ITV soap several times, playing a delivery man, a junk dealer and finally Peter Mallett - the father of Gary Mallett.

The team at his company, Tony Peers Ltd, announced the sad news on Wednesday, writing: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Scarborough showbiz legend Tony Peers has taken his final bow. Our wonderful producer, manager and friend sadly fell asleep for the last time in the early hours of this morning.

"All at Tony Peers Limited are devastated by this news and in Tony’s words 'the show must go on.' We will be continuing to lead all future productions and keeping Tony’s pantomime legacy alive across the country for years to come."

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Tony began his career in entertainment back in the 1960's, where he started working at Butlins. Over the years, he also took on roles in Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Rik Mayall Presents, All Creatures Great and Small and finally Last of the Summer Wine - which was his final TV credit in 2004.

Speaking to The Scarborough News in 2018, Tony said that when he landed a role in Coronation Street, his mother took the TV Times round to his neighbours and pointed out his names in the credits. It was a big change in attitude from when he first quit his well-paid job to be a Butlin's Redcoat in 1969 in Somerset.

"My mum came to see me and cried all the way home from Minehead to Liverpool. She said to my father ‘He’ll never make a living doing this; he’s a big, daft lad and he’s got no talent.'"

However, she was "proud as punch" four years later when he was hosting his weekly Friday night show at the holiday camp. "She said, 'That's my lad, you know, my lad that.'"

Outside of acting, Tony ran entertainment at the Butlins Grand Hotel in the 1980's before forming Tony Peers Productions in 1999 - his own company which put on summer shows and pantomimes.

Those at Scarborough Spa - which is where many of Tony's productions took place - said in a statement: "Everyone at the Scarborough Spa is saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Peers.

"Tony, who was involved in over 2,500 shows at the Spa as a performer, director, and latterly as producer of the famous Spa summer shows and Christmas pantomimes, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family and friends."

Tony was with his partner Glenda for 35 years before his death. Speaking to The Scarborough News, Tony said: "She is the least showbiz person I know.

"Everyone in this business is an insecure, self-absorbed egomaniac. I would get home from the Spa and start talking about work – after two minutes Glenda would be on to other things.

"She taught me there is more to the world than dressing up and messing about. Family is what it is all about."

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