EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died just months after having a cancerous tumour removed from his liver.
The ex-Corrie star's loved ones said he "passed away peacefully" last night. He was 78.
Kenwright's heartbroken family said he died surrounded by those he loved after a "long battle with illness".
Just weeks ago the grandfather went under the knife after a growth was found on his liver.
The former actor, who played Gordon Clegg in Coronation Street, was then forced to stay in intensive care due to complications with the surgery.
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Kenwright was not released from hospital until earlier this month, but it was then he was told he could continue his treatment at home.
At the time a club statement read: "Everton would like to provide a short update on the health of our Chairman, Bill Kenwright.
"Following a diagnosis at the beginning of August, Mr Kenwright underwent a major medical procedure six weeks ago to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver.
"The procedure was completely successful, but complications during surgery necessitated a prolonged period in an intensive care unit.
"Mr Kenwright is now out of intensive care and has left hospital.
"Right up until the day of the procedure the Chairman had continued to carry out all his club duties, working hard alongside Mr Moshiri to facilitate the proposed takeover by 777 Partners and supporting Kevin Thelwell with the Club's summer transfer activity."
This saw the masses send him their well wishes, and hopes for a speedy recovery.
Tragically, his club and family today confirmed his death.
His partner Jenny Seagrove and daughter Lucy said they were "devastated" to share the news.
They said it came after a long battle with illness, but did not give any further details.
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Actress Jenny also shared a photo of Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter), saying: "I lost my darling Bill last night."
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."
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.
He was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.
The former actor, who was on Corrie in 1968, was married to theatre star Jenny.
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.
