EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died aged 78 - months after having surgery to remove a cancerous tumour.
The ex-Corrie star went under the knife in August this year when the growth was found in his liver.
Kenwright was forced to stay in intensive care for longer due to complications in the procedure.
But he was told he was allowed to continue his treatment at home and was released from hospital earlier this month.
Tragically his death was announced by his "devastated" family including partner Jenny Seagrove and daughter Lucy.
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They said Kenwright passed away "peacefully" last night surrounded by his loved ones after a "long battle with illness".
Actress Jenny also shared a photo of Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter), saying: "I lost my darling Bill last night."
Tributes have been pouring in since the 78-year-old's death was shared.
Boxer Tony Bellew said: "Thank you is all I can say! You was always there to support me and help me in anyway you could!
"You’re one of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend..
"Thinking of Jenny and his daughter Lucy. Goodnight my friend. Rest Easy Chairman!"
Singer Antony Costa said he was saddened to hear of his "friend and mentor's" passing.
In a post to X, Costa said: "Just heard the news my friend, and mentor and the person who gave me the chance to perform on stage Mr Bill Kenwright has passed away.
"You were one in a million Sir... we loved talking football R.I.P Bill xx."
Jason Manford also paid tribute.
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He wrote on social media: "Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died.
"Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen.
"Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed."
'AN INSPIRATION'
In their own statement, Everton said the club was "in mourning" following the tragedy.
The team added: "Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
"A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
"In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
"The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him."
Everton previously told how Kenwright had been carrying out his club duties still even while recuperating from his op.
He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
Kenwright was also one of the UK's most successful theatre producers.
His most famous productions include in West End hit Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
'IMPACTED LIVES OF THOUSANDS'
Kenwright was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
The former actor, who had a role in Coronation Street in 1968, was in a relationship with theatre star Jenny Seagrove.
He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.
His family said: "Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.
"He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
"In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
"During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
"We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
"A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends."
