BROOKSIDE and Coronation Street actor James Caroll has died.
The actor and entertainer was best known for playing Brian ‘Bumper’ Humphreys on the Channel 4 soap between 1988 and 1991.
He appeared as Mary Taylor’s friend Colin in Coronation Street earlier this year.
It’s thought that James, who lived in Preston, Lancashire, died suddenly.
He had previously been poorly with pneumonia in early 2020, but made a full recovery.
However, he lived with a terminal condition that meant arteries in his brain could rupture at any time.
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James had filmed a YouTube documentary in 2009 about his illness, which featured appearances from his wife Justine and their children.
In the moving doc, he said he'd gone through brain surgery on the same date his second son was due.
He told interviewers: "I've been with Justine now, what – nearly 13 years.
"Me and Justine have had so much fun in 13 years.
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"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.
"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."
The cause of his death is not yet known.
The actor, a keen singer, often performed at venues around the country in a two-piece band called 2 Toned.
Friends of the actor confirmed the news of his passing in a number of Facebook posts today.
TRAGEDY AS STAR DIES
Dozens of people have paid tribute.
Ricardo Lacombe, who filmed James' documentary, said: "Back when we were just learning how to put a film a film together, we made this film about Jim.
"I knew one day it would be become far more poignant.
"We often joked with each other that it was all a ruse just to get someone to make a film about him! In honour and memory of a true entertainer, it has overnight become a more difficult watch – but he would want people to see it I am sure."
One pal said: "I can't believe the sad news.
"What a funny, caring guy you were.
If I died tomorrow, I'd be a happy man… I've had just such good fun and such an amount of love and good times
"Grew up through school together, funny times when you were around."
Another wrote: "So very sad to hear the news, taken far too young.
"My heart goes out and thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."
A third said: "What a talented and bright man.
"You were so funny Jim. Totally shocked, rest in peace."
Others told of James' "kindness".
"The laughs we've had, the tears we've shed," an old school-friend said.
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"My one and only constant friend I've always had, no matter how much time passed.
"We've devastated Jim… you've left a hole no one will ever fill."
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