Tributes pour in for Oldham star Warren

WARREN CLARKE: died yeesterday

OLDHAM-born actor Warren Clarke of “Dalziel and Pascoe” fame — has died aged 67.

The star, who also appeared in films such as Stanley Kubrick's classic “A Clockwork Orange” - his first major film role - died in his sleep after a short illness.

Mr Clarke was also known for his starring role in BBC series “Down To Earth”, about a family who leave the rat-race to relocate to rural Devon.

Mr Clarke appeared as two different characters in “Coronation Street” in the late 1960s, before establishing his movie career.

The last role completed before his death was as Charles Poldark in a BBC revival of the 1970s TV drama “Poldark”.

But most viewers will know him as Det Supt Andy Dalziel in the TV adaptation of Reginald Hill's stories about chalk-and-cheese colleagues Dalziel and Pascoe, which ran for 12 series until 2007.

Many have paid tribute to Clarke. Actor Reece Shearsmith, who shared a screen with him in an ITV drama, calling him "a very funny and lovely man".

“Emmerdale” actor John Bowe, who has acted alongside him, said: "Safe journey, Warren. And no arguments on the way."

Writer and broadcaster Tony Parsons said: "Warren Clarke was wonderful for 40 years — from ‘Dalziel And Pascoe’ all the way back to ‘Clockwork Orange’."

Clarke was a lifelong Manchester City fan and his death was mourned by the club. City's official Twitter feed included a message which read: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Warren Clarke following sad news of the actor and MCFC fan's passing."

Actor Will Mellor called him a "good friend" and said in a message posted online: "So sad to hear the news. I can't believe it. Great man."