LAMAMIMET

Alan Rothwell was born in Oldham in 1937 and began his acting career in the late 1950s. He became a household name when he was cast as David Barlow, the brother of Ken Barlow, in the inaugural episodes of ITV's Coronation Street in 1960, remaining on the show until 1969 as part of its original ensemble.

After leaving Coronation Street, Rothwell appeared in a variety of television series, including Gideon's Way and The Villains, and later joined the cast of Channel 4's Brookside as Nicholas Black during the 1980s. He also became a familiar face to younger audiences as the presenter of the long‑running children's programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.

Rothwell was celebrated for his versatility and warm on‑screen presence. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family confirmed that he died peacefully in hospital after a short illness in May 2026. Colleagues and fans remembered him as a delightful man and a pioneering figure in British television.