Former 'Emmerdale' actor Tony Haygarth has died at the age of 72.

Tony Haygarth

Tony Haygarth

The English actor passed away on Saturday (11.03.17) at his home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, South East England.

His wife Carole Winter announced the tragic news on Twitter, posting: "Tony Haygarth: loving father to Katie and Becky, my greatest supporter, actor of extraordinary talent. RIP 1945-2017. (sic)"

Tony had been diagnosed Alzheimer's back in 2014 and seen very little in public in the last several months of his life.

Tony joined the cast of the ITV soap in November 2008 as Mick Naylor and he had a number of prominent TV role appearing in police drama 'The Bill', 'Doctors', 'Where the Heart Is' and 'Midsomer Murders'.

His multiple film credits included parts in 1980 prison drama 'McVicar' - in which he starred alongside The Who's Roger Daltrey in the titular role - 1982's 'Ivanhoe' and more recently 2000 animation 'Chicken Run' in which he voiced the character Mr. Tweedy.

Tony also had an impressive theatre career and he was nominated for an Olivier award in 1996 for 'Twelve Angry Men' at the Comedy Theatre.

Since the news of Tony's passing, numerous stars of the screen have logged onto social media to pay tribute to the late actor.

'Blackadder' legend Sir Tony Robinson posted on Twitter: "Tony Haygarth, a gentle man, and a fine and subtle actor. So sad for his family. RIP"

'Coronation Street' star Les Dennis tweeted: "So very sad to hear that the wonderful Tony Haygarth has died. Thoughts with his family. RIP"

Tony is survived by his two daughters, Becky, 31, and 32-year-old Katie, with Carole and Becky wrote an emotional tribute on her own Twitter account.

She posted: "Rest in Peace my wonderful father. My hero, my friend, my ultimate inspiration. #tonyhaygarth #actor #RIP #legend #father #love (sic)"