Acting legend Carol Royle has confirmed her husband has died in a freak swimming accident.
Coronation Street star Carol, 70, revealed the news in a heartbreaking post on her social media. Writing to her friends, family and followers alike on her Facebook account, she confirmed husband Julian Spear had passed away on Monday (December 9).
Giving more details on the her husband’s passing, Carol penned: “Perfectly fit man but jumped into a freezing outdoor pool which he assumed was heated as per usual yesterday, and he developed a sudden massive brain haemorrhage – our hearts are aching. Married 47 years – known each other 56; forgive me if I am not on Facebook very much for a while.”
The actress was soon inundated with messages of love and support from those who were offering their condolences to her and her family. One user welled up as they wrote: “Love and hugs to you all; my deepest sympathies to yourself Carol and your family – may Julian rest in eternal peace.”
A second account also paid tribute to Carol for her shock and devastation at Julian’s sudden passing. “Oh Carol, my heart goes out to you with this terrible news,” they wrote, “sending you much love and light and prayers and strength and heartfelt condolences.”
Carol wrote in the post that funeral arrangements are already in place, but the ceremony will not take place until after Christmas, so as to enjoy the festive period. Julian was a well-known musician, and the son of acting icon Bernard – who had landed roles on the likes of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Carol, 70, is best known to audiences nowadays for her role as Anthea Deering on the ITV soap, the mum of Joel, who was brutally murdered in September. Following his death, parents Anthea and Gus arrived on the cobbles to invite Dee-Dee Bailey to a memorial service for the solicitor’s birthday; only to find out that baby Frankie was their grandson.
After being given time to spend with the newborn by Max Turner, the couple ran off – leaving the residents of Weatherfield confused.
Other than Coronation Street, actress Carol is also known for her stints in huge dramas, including Life Without George and Heartbeat, both of which she had long stints in. She has also made appearances in the like of Bergerac, Casualty, Doctors and Father Brown over the course of her career.
Real-life husband Julian is survived by Carol and the two children they shared – son Taran and daughter Talitha.
