Actor Neville Buswell, who has died aged 76, made his name during his decade-long career on the cobbles of Coronation Street.
Playing Ray Langton, a man chased by both the law and a string of women, his character eventually settled down with Deidre Hunt – played by Anne Kirkbride – before she found lasting romance with Ken Barlow.
The on-screen pair eventually had a daughter, Tracey, but he later walked out on the pair for a life in the Netherlands.
Mr Buswell first arrived on the nation’s most famous street in 1966, before an extended run in 1968.
His character’s debut was described by the actor as “downright evil”, after Ray tried to rape Lucille Hewitt, stole money from the Barlow family and took a bottle of whisky from the Rovers Return.
During his return stint the character softened, as he became an apprentice and dealt with his weakness for women.
After multiple affairs with other residents, on-screen wife Deirdre found out and in a bid to save the marriage, Ray begged her for a fresh start in the Netherlands.
This move abroad was prompted by the actor’s real desire to move away from the show.
His sudden announcement threw the production team into disarray.
The production team had planed to write out co-star Anne Kirkbride as well, until Mr Buswell pleaded for her to be kept on.
The press and public alike were confused by the actor’s decision to step away from the spotlight and move to the US.
After settling in Las Vegas and he became a poker dealer at the Barbary Coast casino, rising to become a department manager.
He had two brief returns to his life on Coronation Street, culminating when his character died during the reception for Deidre’s marriage to Ken.
Born in Prestbury, Cheshire, he excelled at both drama and sports.
His wife Suzanne survives him.
