Tributes have been paid to Coronation Street legend turned Oxfordshire restaurateur Kenneth Cope who died aged 93 leaving behind a huge legacy on British TV.

Mr Cope's main starring role was as the ghost detective Marty Hopkirk in the original dark cult comedy Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased), before also finding fame in various Carry On Films.

It was also his earlier break-out role as the dodgy Weatherfield resident Jed Stone in Coronation Street that pushed him into the limelight during the 1960s.

Mr Cope and his wife were involved in the restaurant business and opened their first eatery Martha' Kitchen in Watlington in the 1970s. The restaurant was named after his daughter.

And then in 1983, Mr Cope and his wife bought a pub in Eynsham and transformed it into a restaurant named Edward's after their second son. 

His family also had connections to the Witney area.

The actor died "peacefully in his sleep with his wife and family by his side," his agent said.

BREAKING: Murder trial verdict: Bailey Heywood guilty of murder

His family described him as “an incredible icon of British TV and film”, with a career spanning six decades that “contributed to some of the most iconic moments in British culture” as well as being “a natural comedy actor”.

Richard O'Callaghan, Jacki Piper and Kenneth Cope of Carry On at Your Convenience (Image: PA)

Former co-star Robin Askwith issued a heartfelt statement, revealing he was one of the first actors he ever worked with.

Mr Askwith, who also went on to star in the Weatherfield soap, wrote: "So sorry to hear about Kenneth Cope passing away at 93 One of the first actors I ever worked with… Individual, encouraging and generous…. RIP."

A spokesperson for Coronation Street said: “Kenneth’s portrayal of Jed Stone, also known as Sonny Jim, on Coronation Street between 1961 and 1966 made him a firm favourite with the soap’s fans.

“He was a talented actor and writer and we were delighted when he agreed to reprise the role 42 years later in 2008.

“We are sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Mr Cope, whose career started in theatre, was part of the Carry On team with leading roles in 1971’s Carry On At Your Convenience and Carry On Matron in 1972.

As the films came out, he was already in Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) playing Hopkirk, solving crimes from beyond the grave while being visible only to his partner Jeff Randall, after being murdered during an investigation in the first episode.

The series became a cult hit and was later remade with comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in 2000.

Speaking to the PA news agency in 1994, Mr Cope said he had “happy times” making the show.

He said: “I used to think people liked it because they were happy times when we made it. The sun was always shining.

“As a kid you wanted to be Superman, you wanted to be able to do things, to find the magic stone and rub it and a genie would appear.

Kenneth Cope with tie and the cast of That Was The Week That Was (Image: PA) “Randall and Hopkirk was quite escapist. There was a nice guy there who could do magical things.”

His other credits included That Was The Week That Was, Doctors, The Bill, Truckers and Last of the Summer Wine.

Mr Cope, who his family described as "a proud native Liverpudlian," and "a loyal supporter of Everton Football Club" also played Ray Hilton in the Channel 4 classic soap Brookside between 1999 and 2002.

READ MORE: Drivers warned of latest parking fine scam

Michael Starke, who played Sinbad in the soap in the late 1990s, described him as a “proper gentleman”.

He said: “We had a few scenes together, and I remember he was a sweet man. He never had a cross word for anyone and was always really generous. I liked him a lot.”

He is survived by his wife, former Coronation Street actress Renny Lister and sons Nick and Mark and daughter Martha, an actress best known for her roles in Doctors and EastEnders.

Nick and Mark formed the indie rock band The Candyskins in the 90s, early members of the "Oxford scene", which produced bands including Supergrass and Radiohead.

Nick, who lives with his family in Oxford, presents Nick Cope's Popcast on Cbeebies which follows Nick and his whippet Norman, as they sing and go on adventures.