Hancock passed away on Sunday (01Nov15). No further details were released as WENN went to press.

He is best known for playing Ernest Bishop in long-running soap opera Coronation Street from 1967. Following a salary dispute with producers, Hancock's character was dramatically shot and killed off in 1978.

A spokesperson for the show tells Digitalspy.com, "We are saddened to hear of Stephen's death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time... In Ernest Bishop, Stephen created a character that will always be remembered by Coronation Street fans, Ernest's dramatic exit from the soap is still one of the most memorable moments in the show's history."

Hancock also enjoyed roles in U.K. TV shows Emergency - Ward 10, Z Cars, Agatha Christie: Poirot, Crossroads, and Heartbeat.