star James Laurenson has left behind a staggering amount in his will after his death aged 84 last year. James shot to fame in the soap as Reverend Peter Hope back in 1968, before landing a role in hit as Dr Sir John Weir, renowned Scottish physician.

Now the actor has reportedly left £214,280 behind in his will after an incredible 50 year career. The star is survived by his second wife Cari Haysom and his son Jamie from his first marriage to Carol MacReady, a fellow actress known for roles in Casualty, The Darling Buds of May and The Vicar of Dibley. James and Carol divorced in 1970. It is presumed James left his incredible fortune to his remaining family members, though this hasn't yet been confirmed.

Born in New Zealand, the details of James' death were kept private at the time. In his career, he made gay history by sharing the first gay kiss with Sir on-stage in 1970 in an adaptation of Christopher Marlowe's Edward II - three years after homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK.

Tributes poured in for the star when he died in May 2024, with one fan writing on X: "Very sad to hear that James Laurenson has died. He was a wonderful actor and I count myself lucky that I saw him at the RSC a few times. He seemed like a gentle soul. His way with words was exemplary, giving feeling and resonance to pretty much any script he worked with. RIP."

Another added: "James Laurenson has died aged 84. Made history w. Ian McKellen in 1970 for the first gay kiss on TV, in a broadcast of Edward II. McKellen later recalled kissing Laurenson 'was a bonus throughout the run'. I'll always remember him as Raven the Shadmock in The Monster Club."

It comes after an update on another Corrie legend who hasn't been seen on-screen since 2019. Eileen Derbyshire played Emily Bishop on the ITV soap, and now her son Oliver has confirmed she is "doing OK" despite disappearing from public life.

He confirmed to a fan who asked: "I'm loving these memories, but is your mum okay?": "She's doing OK. It's kind of you to ask. She's 93 now so she has a few issues but she's well looked after and is happy."