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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney & Rebecca Daly

Coronation Street star James Caroll dies suddenly as friends pay touching tributes

James Caroll, who starred in soaps Coronation Street and Brookside, has sadly passed away.

The late actor was best known for playing Brian ‘Bumper’ Humphreys on the Channel 4 soap between 1988 and 1991 prior to it wrapping up in 2003.

James’ most recent on-screen appearance was as Mary Taylor’s friend Colin on the Virgin Media soap Coronation Street earlier this year.

Read more: Corrie fans surprised as they spot 'Catherine Tate' in guest role on ITV soap

It is understood that he passed away suddenly, with no cause of death confirmed just yet.

The actor was reported to be battling pneumonia, but the soap star went on to make a full recovery.

The late actor James Caroll during his cameo on Corrie earlier this year ((Image: ITV))

As well as his on-screen career, James also documented his life on YouTube. He opened up on the platform about living with a condition that meant that his arteries in his brain could rupture at any time.

James, who lived in Preston, shared a documentary about his health condition that featured his wife Justine and their children.

"I've been with Justine now, what - nearly 13 years," James says at one point during the moving footage.

"Me and Justine have had so much fun in 13 years. It's difficult to think about concerns about not being here because - you know, without meeting Justine and without having the boys, I think about those 13 years."

"If I died tomorrow, I'd be a happy man," he poignantly adds.

"I wouldn't be up wherever I was, I wouldn't be bitter about it, because in life and experience and stuff like that, I've had just such good fun and such an amount of love and good times."

In addition to his acting and social media work, James was also a member of musical act 2 Toned - an established Ska tribute duo celebrating ska, reggae and 2 tone music from the British charts.

In the wake of his death, one of James' bandmates paid tribute to the late star on the band's Facebook page.

The moving tribute reads: "My Heart is Broken. My amazing Friend, mentor and brother James Caroll Jimmy has sadly passed away. Jimmy and I had an awesome act and we had 12 great years and over 850 shows all over country and met and entertained thousands of wonderful people many now we call friends.

James also had a passion for music ((Image: ITV))

"The time on stage was sensational but the quality time spent traveling, laughing, crying, joking and of course singing and just being a huge part of each others lives is something.

It continues: "I will always remember and treasure for the rest of my days. I love you Jim goodnight until we meet again my dearest friend enjoy yourself it's later than you think."

Another moving tribute reads: "Rest in peace pal. Thanks for the shows and laughs. Deepest condolences to family and friends. Surely a showbiz star will twinkle brighter now."

"Good night god bless to one of the finest gentlemen on this planet it wasva [sic] pleasure to watch you perform and become great friends," one of the many moving messages regarding the late star reads.

"Rip Jimmy thoughts are with your family and Alan at this sad time."

Read more: Corrie fans 'rumble' sinister twist about Max's 'girlfriend' Sonya after debut

Read more: Corrie spoilers: Brian and Cathy get engaged as Melanie Hill exit teased

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