Coronation Street viewers have called for the ITV soap to pay tribute to Barry Connor actor Frank Grimes following his death after a short illness aged 78

Frank Grimes has died aged 78 as fans pay tribute(Image: ITV)

Coronation Street fans have put out their hopes for a soap tribute following the death of actor Frank Grimes. The TV star died aged 78 following a short illness, with tributes pouring in from fans.

Frank appeared on the ITV soap as Barrington “Barry” Connor between 2008 to 2015. He played the father of Paul Connor, Liam Connor and Michelle Connor.

The actor returned to the soap as Barry in 2015 to attend Michelle’s wedding to Steve McDonald. Frank appeared in over 50 episodes and was a key character in the Connor family. It comes after reports that the Coronation Street actor died after a short illness.

Corrie fans are hoping the soap pays tribute to the Barry Connor actor(Image: ITV)

It has left many fans now calling for ITV to pay a tribute to Frank on the show. Reacting to the sad news, one fan shared: “Hopefully Corrie will make reference to Liam and Ryan’s grandad passing away at some stage.

“I always enjoyed his scenes when he did appear, ironically only watched some the other day! May he rest in peace.” Another fan reacted on Reddit as they commented: “Aw, that’s sad to hear.

“I also enjoyed seeing him and Helen whenever they were around.” Other fans shared their support for a Coronation Street tribute as they liked the post.

The Irish Cultural Centre are among those who have paid tribute to Frank. In a statement, they said: “Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC’s and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC’s stage on so many occasions.

“Anyone who saw Frank perform his riveting self-penned production ‘the he and the she of it…’ A Portrait of James Joyce’, will know what a thrilling, powerful, unforgettable performance it was!

“Frank performed this superb tribute to his hero James Joyce, on whom he was an expert, three times at the ICC, and each time, every night he received standing ovations!

“Frank was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful mesmerising voice and he often appeared on the radio show ‘Bright Side Of The Road.'”

They added: “Frank was so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.

“We know that Ireland has lost one of it’s truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.

“We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.

“We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his seven grandchildren and to all his extended family. We also send our condolences to all of Frank’s friends and loved ones – May Frank sleep easy now.”

Frank had an illustrious TV career, having also starred in Mrs Brown’s Boys, A Bridge Too Far, Tulips of Harlem, The Outsider and Blind Justice. He also had guest roles in the likes of Doctors and Casualty as well as Holby City.