The actor is most famous for his role as Jim Royle

Clifton Tomlinson died on Saturday in Wrexham Maelor Hospital, north Wales, of alcoholic liver disease.

Clifton, who was Mr Tomlinson's son by his first wife Marlene, had battled against alcohol and heroin addiction for many years.

Mr Tomlinson, who lives in Liverpool, first made his name playing Bobby Grant in Brookside. On Thursday he declined to comment about his son's death.

Mr Tomlinson's most famous role was Jim Royle, head of the Royle Family.

Inquest opened

A message on his official website reads: "Condolences at this very sad time to Ricky and family on the death of his son.

"Please, please respect their privacy."

John Hughes, coroner for North-East Wales, said that an inquest into the death of Mr Tomlinson had been opened and adjourned.

He added: "The post mortem showed cause of death as alcoholic liver disease."

Ricky Tomlinson has two other children with his first wife, 31-year-old Gareth, and Katie, 27.