TV mourns Emmerdale soap veteran

CLIVE Hornby, who played Jack Sugden in Emmerdale, died last night.

The 63-year-old was the longest-serving cast member in Emmerdale's history.

He had not been in the ITV soap for around three months due to ill health.

Hornby first appeared in Emmerdale on February 19, 1980 and was still in the soap 28 years later.

He was initially offered a three-month contract to play the character of farmer Jack Sugden, who was seen returning to the village after previously being played by Andrew Burt.

Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: "This is a devastating loss and we are all deeply saddened.

"Clive will be greatly missed by everyone who has worked with him on Emmerdale during the past 28 years.

"He was a hugely popular and well-respected member of cast and a terrific actor. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

He died after suffering from an illness but requested that details relating to his health were not published.