Corrie Bill Webster stars life – tragic death, famous wife and cancer battle
Peter Armitage made his first appearance as Bill Webster on Coronation Street back in 1984, but only remained on the cobbles for six months.
The actor ended up having three spells as the father of Kevin Webster on the long-running ITV soap, returning in 1995 for two years and once again in 2006 until 2011.
While Peter was best known for his role as Bill, he had plenty of other acting credits throughout his lengthy career.
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In 2011, the soap star was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Birthday Honours for services to amateur theatre in Yorkshire.
Career
Before he started acting, Peter worked as an engineering apprentice and also served in the Merchant Navy.
His on-screen career began in the early 70s, and the actor even made an appearance as a painter and decorator in Corrie for two episodes in 1977.
In between playing the role of Bill, Peter landed parts in the 1972 series The Befrienders and the 1988 TV series Jack the Ripper.
The same year he returned to the cobbles for the second time, Peter starred in four episodes of Hearts and Minds and later appeared in Lucky Feller, a short-lived sitcom starring David Jason.
In 1998, the soap star played Danny Ormondroyd in a stage adaptation of the film Brassed Off at the Sheffield Crucible and London’s Olivier Theatre.
His final on screen appearance before his death was in an episode of Doctors in 2013.
Famous wife
Peter married fellow Coronation Street actress Annabel Scase in 1970.
The Lancashire-born star played Marjorie Dawson in 1966 and appeared in TV series City '68 one year later.
She also went on to star in the BBC children's quiz programme Score with the Scaffold in 1970 and British police TV series Z Cars in 1978.
The couple had two children, Daniel and Sally, during their marriage but went on to divorce.
Cancer battle
A few years after his character was last seen on-screen, Peter spoke about his bowel cancer diagnosis with The Mirror.
He revealed he was diagnosed with the disease shortly after Bill suffered a heart attack and left the Cobbles.
The late actor told the publication: "I first noticed a problem last May when I was down in Perpignan in France for my cousin's 80th birthday party.
"I noticed a little bleeding in a bowel movement, so when I got home about 10 days later I went to my doctor. They say smoking and bad diet could have links to bowel cancer, but I'm normally a fit and healthy sort of bloke."
The Sheffield-born actor was in remission in 2014 when he discussed a possible return to the soap.
"It's 30 years since I first started on the cobbles and I've always come in and out," he said.
He added: "Now Michael Le Vell [Kevin Webster] has been cleared, Kevin is due back on the cobbles in the spring and they've said Bill is fine."
"I'd like to go back again, too, if there's a storyline for me."
Tragic death
On November 30 2018, Peter died of a heart attack aged 79.
At the time, an ITV spokesperson said: “Peter was a much respected and much loved member of the Coronation Street family. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Several of Peter's former co-stars paid tribute to the actor on social media after learning the sad news.
Simon Gregson, who stars as Steve McDonald, wrote: "I loved Pete what a lovely man very sad RIP lovely man."
Leanne Battersby actress Jane Danson added: "So sorry to hear this, lovely man . Thoughts to family and friends.'
Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, shared: "So sorry to hear this Charlie. Pete was such a lovely man.. he’ll be sadly missed."
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