Andy Devine death: Emmerdale star who played Shadrach Dingle dies aged 79

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Emmerdale star Andy Devine has died aged 79.

The actor was best known for his role as Shadrach Dingle on the long running ITV soap.

Public records confirm that Devine died earlier this year on 27 January.

A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

The actor – born Peter Devine – portrayed Shadrach for 10 years, between 2000 and 2010.

He made his final appearance on Emmerdale in July 2010. The character of Shadrach was killed off in an emotional storyline related to alcohol abuse.

Devine’s other credits include the 1973 Doctor Who story Frontier in Space, in which he played an uncredited Draconian Guard.

He also starred in Russell T Davies’s 1999 seminal drama, Queer as Folk, playing the role of Bernard Thomas.

In the Sixties, prior to beginning his acting career, Devine served in the Royal Navy.

Fans have paid tribute to the late actor on social media.

“Such sad news to hear that Andy Devine has passed away in January,” wrote one person on Twitter. “Thinking of his family and friends at this time. Great character in Emmerdale.”

Another added: “RIP iconic Emmerdale actor, Andy Devine. What a talented, charismatic actor and what a complex, funny, interesting, funny, flamboyant, unpredictable intriguing character he played as Shadrach Dingle in the show.”