Colleagues yesterday paid tribute to long-serving soap actor Stan Richards, who has died at the age of 74.

Richards, best known for playing loveable rogue Seth Armstrong in Emmerdale, passed away in his sleep.

He joined the show more than 25 years ago and was the longest serving soap actor outside Coronation Street.

Yesterday, Paula Tilbrook, who played his partner Betty Eagleton, said: "Stan was completely irreplaceable and a unique character.

"I had the pleasure of working with him for 11 years and I will remember the laughter."

Seth's last appearance on Emmerdale was on Christmas Eve when he was seen sending a recorded Christmas message from Australia to Betty. He had been away from the show for 15 months with illness.

After filming what turned out to be his final scene he said it was "fantastic" to be back.

The actor was at home in Barnsley with members of his family, when he died.

Published: 14/02/2005