Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt left heartbroken as best man and friend of 46 years dies

Former star has been left heartbroken after his best man and friend of 46 years died.

Adam Rickitt found fame on the cobbles as Nick Tilsley between 1997 and 1999 and then from 2002 to 2004. Adam's character was involved in the soap's first-ever gay kiss with Todd Grimshaw (played by Bruno Langley). Following his stint in the soap, he moved on to other popular soaps, including and Doctors.

Adam also tried his hand at being a pop star and gained recognition for his 1999 for the song I Breathe Again. Away from the of showbiz, Adam has been very busy with an entirely different career and one which he’s entirely committed to. Along with his journalist and TV reporter wife Katy Rickitt, he launched a craft beer, gin and wine shop and bar.

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The business, called Dexter and Jones, is based in Knutsford, Cheshire. It sells over 800 different craft beers, 10 draft beers, which are regularly switched up, more than 300 small batch gins and over 200 different wines. Customers can order the drinks to take home or enjoy them on the premises.

As well as a different career direction, Adam can be seen sporting a completely new personal image these days. A far cry from the clean shaven cobbles lad Nick, he is now rocking a much buffer physique, numerous tattoos and shoulder-length blonde hair.

But in his personal life Adam has had a tough week this week following the passing of his closest companion of 46 years. On Thursday May 8 Adam took to to share a heart-wrenching tribute to his friend. He captioned the black and white image: "So hard to say....but goodbye. I can't even describe who you are to me. Part father, part brother...all friend. For 46 years I knew no matter what the sea of life threw at me..you were the rock that would stand by me as the waves crashed.

"You would take on an army for me...you would always be my truth...you were the best of men...you were my best man. I feel like I've lost gravity...but I can't be sad. The day Janet died ..the joy left you. I'm so happy the 2 of you are together...selfishly we'll miss you...but you best have everything on ice for when we see you again!"

Fans flooded the comments section with messages of condolence and support. One wrote: "What a fabulous moment captured of two lifelong buddies. You will find each other again i am quite sure of that. And remember: death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal." Another wrote: "That’s one beautifully worded tribute. I am so sorry for your loss."

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