Emmerdale star Andy Devine dies aged 79

Former Emmerdale star Andy Devine has died, aged 79.

Devine spent 10 years on the soap playing fan favourite Shadrach Dingle before dying in January this year.

His death has only just been made public.

The Sun confirmed Devine's death through public records though it is not yet known what he died of.

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Devine played Dingle between 2000 and 2010 appearing in over 600 episodes before later being killed off-screen as part of an alcohol abuse storyline.

Devine would also appear as Shadrach on Harry Hill's TV Burp as part of one of the show's recurring sketches.

As well as Emmerdale, Devine appeared in Doctor Who, Queer as Folk and the TV film Hillsborough.

Devine also had two brief stints in Coronation Street in 1995 and 2000.

Devine's last acting appearance came shortly after he left Emmerdale. He appeared in a single episode of Doctors in 2011.

In the same year, he also appeared in a special episode of The Big Quiz which pitted Emmerdale against Coronation Street.

Before he began his acting career in the 1960s Devine served in the Royal Navy.

A number of Emmerdale fans took to social media to pay tribute to the actor.

One wrote: "Saddened to learn that Andy Devine (Shadrach Dingle in Emmerdale) has died. What a actor (and character)."

Another fan said: "Never a dull day. Farewell to Andy Devine better known as Emmerdale's Shadrach Dingle."

One fan also praised his comic acting: Just heard the sad news that Andy Devine who played Shadrach Dingle in Emmerdale and Bernard in Queer as Folk passed away in January. Brilliant comic characters that he played so well. 'Hazel, we’ve got lesbians!'"

Another added: "What a talented, charismatic actor and what a complex, interesting, funny, flamboyant, unpredictable, intriguing character he played as Shadrach Dingle in the show."

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