Soap actor and ITV presenter Charles Foster, who was well known in North West's Granada TV channel in the 70s, 80s and 90, has sadly passed away.
The star had roles in ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale as well as popular drama Crown Court.
Charles also previously worked on Catchphrase and The Krypton Factor as an ITV announcer and more recently provided the voice over on Judge Rinder, writes The Mirror.
Granada Reports' producer Rob Jaskowski paid tribute to the star, saying he was a 'true inspiration'. He said: "Charles was such a nice person. I remember being star stuck on my first day at Granada on work placement in 1984 when I sat with him in the canteen at Quay Street.
"He was great to chat with and a true inspiration. Condolences to his family and friends."
BBC presenter Steve Saul penned a tribute, saying: "Sorry to hear the reports of the death of former Granada TV continuity announcer and voiceover Charles Foster.
"Along with Colin Weston and Jim Pope they were the friendly face of ITV when I was growing up.
"I would have loved to have been an in-vision continuity announcer."
Charles was married to actress Meg Johnson, who starred in Coronation Street, Brookside and Taggart.
Fans of the ITV announcer took to social media to pen tributes to Charles.
One tweeted: "Granada had such a distinctive announcing team but Charles Foster stood out among them as ‘The’ Voice of Granada. Be it in the North West, or on the network, on game shows, promos & so on. And of course, that unmistakable avuncular on-camera presence. Goodnight, Charles. RIP." (sic)
Another wrote: "After Dickie Davies, another North West legend has left us this week. Charles Foster was a very familiar sight on Granada TV in the 80s. Always a charming and comforting presence in one’s living room. Time for us to wish you goodnight now, Charles. Farewell, sir."
While one said: "One of the voices of my childhood and youth growing up in the north west. His soft velvety tones announcing “This is Granada…” made you feel like the channel and the programmes coming up next were put on just for you. RIP Charles Foster."
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