Emmerdale funeral to mark veteran’s death

Thorp, who appeared in the ITV soap set in the Yorkshire Dales for more than 30 years, died in May aged 81.

The storyline, which was developed after consultation with the actor’s family, will see his character peacefully pass away before an on-screen funeral in October.

Lorraine Chase, who played his daughter Steph Stokes, will return to the show for the storyline.

Viewers will see her character, who is currently in prison for a murder she did not commit, escorted back to the village by prison guards.

She said: “I was devastated when l heard the news that my dear friend, Richard Thorp had died. He was a wonderful, joyous man, a great actor, and l felt privileged to have worked with him so closely.

“When Emmerdale rang me to ask if l would consider coming back to guest at his character Alan, my on-screen dad’s funeral, I was overjoyed, I just wish with all my heart that the circumstances were different.”

The show’s producer, Kate Oates, said: “Alan Turner was so important to Emmerdale and we felt it was right to give his character a proper send- off. It will be emotional as both the character and Richard are sorely missed and will be for a long time to come.”

Thorp had a lengthy acting career including roles in film and television which saw him star in the 1955 film The Dam Busters.