Coronation Street star Frank Mills who played Billy Williams on the soap dies aged 93
- The actor, who played Betty’s husband Billy Williams on the long-running ITV soap for two years passed away on February 11
- The tribute described him as a ‘Much loved Father to Paula and Ruth, Grandad to Amy, Phil and Lizi, and Great Grandad to Kara and Jack’
- Frank joined joined Coronation Street in 1995 as barmaid Betty’s love interest and they went on to wed the same year
- The news of Frank’s death comes a day after it was announced Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years on the soap had died aged 85
Coronation Street star Frank Mills has died aged 93.
The ‘much loved’ actor, who played Betty’s husband Billy Williams on the long-running ITV soap for two years, passed away on February 11.
The news of Frank’s death comes a day after it was announced Cobbles legend Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years on the soap had died aged 85.
Sad loss: Coronation Street star Frank Mills who played Betty’s husband Billy Williams on the long-running ITV soap, passed away on February 11 aged 93 (pictured in Corrie 1995)
His obituary in the Maldon Standard reads: ‘Albert ‘Frank’ Mills sadly passed away on 11th February, aged 93 years.’
The tribute described him as: ‘Much loved Father to Paula and Ruth, Grandad to Amy, Phil and Lizi, and Great Grandad to Kara and Jack.’
It added: ‘Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, private funeral will take place on Monday 8th March, with a full Memorial Service planned for later in the year as a celebration of Frank’s life.
‘Flowers or donations, if desired, payable to Farleigh Hospice may be sent c/o G W Hardy & Son, The Green, Finchingfield, Essex CM7 4JS.’
His obituary in the Maldon Standard reads: ‘Albert ‘Frank’ Mills sadly passed away on 11th February, aged 93 years’ (Frank as Jimmy Nunn in The Good Companions in 1980)
Casting: Frank joined joined Coronation Street in 1995 as barmaid Betty’s love interest (pictured with Betty – Elizabeth Mary Driver)
The London born actor starred in Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War and The Palace.
He is also recognisable from Grange Hill, Heartbeat, The Bill and The Good Companions.
Frank joined joined Coronation Street in 1995 as barmaid Betty’s love interest. He first appeared in a scene with Archie Wardle where he recognised Betty as she worked behind the bar.
Career: He is also recognisable from Grange Hill, Heartbeat, The Bill and The Good Companions (pictured in 1980)
His character Billy had arrived at the Rovers Return for the 50th anniversary of VE Day event being held at the pub.
The former flames rekindled their love and married in October 1995, however their happiness was short-lived as Billy died of a heart attack two years later.
Betty actress Elizabeth Mary Driver passed away in 2011 after appearing in 2,800 episodes.
Frank had a minor Corrie role in 1976 as Mission Circuit superintendent Ivor Mortlake, before joining as a full-time cast member 20 years later.
Credits: He is also recognisable from Grange Hill, Heartbeat, The Bill and The Good Companions
The news comes after Johnny passed away at his home this morning after a long illness, his family said, though it is unclear what the illness was.
A family statement said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.
‘He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85. We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him. Thank you.’
Briggs split his time between a home in Portishead, North Somerset, UK, and a house in Florida though it is unclear where he was staying at time of his death.
He played underwear factory boss Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street from 1976 to 2006 and received an MBE in 2007.
Sad: The news comes after Johnny passed away at his home this morning after a long illness, his family said, though it is unclear what the illness was