Coronation Street star devastated as best man and 'rock' of 46 years dies

Former Coronation Street actor Adam Rickitt has been left devastated following the death of his best man and friend of 46 years. Adam Rickitt, rose to fame on the iconic cobbles as Nick Tilsley from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2002 to 2004. The former singer and on-screen star is married to Good Morning Britain journalist and TV reporter wife Katy Rickitt, whom he opened a craft beer, gin and wine shop and bar with. In a poignant tribute shared on Thursday, Adam shared a heartbreaking tribute to his best man and friend, who was like a father figure to the former Corrie actor.

Adam turned to Instagram to post a poignant homage to his late companion. The black and white photo of the pair together was accompanied by the caption: "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!".

Adam was inundated with messages of support as one fan wrote: "Condolences to you and your family Adam x."

A second penned: "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."

A third wrote: "I'm so sorry for your loss, treasure the memories."

A fourth added: "So Sorry for Your Loss … My Thoughts and Prayers are With You."

Adam is best remembered for playing Nick Tilsley on the cobbles and His character was part of the soap's first-ever gay kiss with Todd Grimshaw, portrayed by Bruno Langley.

After his time on the ITV soap, he transitioned to other popular soaps such as Hollyoaks and Doctors.

In addition to acting, Adam also ventured into the music industry and gained recognition for his 1999 music video for the song I Breathe Again. Outside of showbiz, Adam has embarked on a completely different career path, one to which he is fully dedicated.

The venture, named Dexter and Jones, is located in Knutsford, Cheshire. It offers over 800 different craft beers, 10 draft beers that are regularly rotated, more than 300 small batch gins and over 200 different wines.