Tony Haygarth: Acting world hails 'fine, subtle' Emmerdale star

Tributes have been paid to "kind and gentle" Emmerdale actor Tony Haygarth, who has died at the age of 72.

The Liverpool-born star played Mick Naylor in the soap and also had parts in The Bill and movie Chicken Run.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014 and died on Friday with his wife, Carol, and two daughters, Becky and Katie, at his side.

Sir Tony Robinson was among those paying tribute, describing him, external as a "fine, subtle actor".

Katie said her father had a "huge personality" and would regularly "hold the room" with long anecdotes.

"Some of the best memories we have of our dad are strolling through fields with our two dogs, him teaching us about wild flowers and insects, and occasionally quoting us Shakespeare," she said.

"Dad treated everyone with the same respect, it didn't matter whether you were eight years old or 100. He had so many beautiful qualities."

Haygarth, who lived in East Peckham, Kent, had a prolific 45-year acting career, making his name in small-screen offerings including Where The Heart Is and I, Claudius as well as turning his hand to dozens of other productions, including Shakespeare plays.

He died on the same day as Footballers' Wives star John Forgeham, with whom he had starred in the TV film Ivanhoe.

The pair also appeared at different times in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Making Out, Lovejoy and Z Cars.

Also paying respect to Mr Haygarth was Les Dennis who tweeted:, external "So very sad to hear that the wonderful Tony Haygarth has died. Thoughts with his family."

Marsha Thomason, who starred with him in Where the Heart Is, posted:, external "I was lucky enough to spend two years working with Tony Haygarth. He had great stories and a wonderful sense of humour. RIP Tony."

Fellow Emmerdale star John Bowe, said:, external "Au revoir, Tony Haygarth. RIP. My, we had some nights together, Tony. Particularly in Newcastle, as I remember."