Johnny Leeze dead: Tributes to Emmerdale star who died following heart attack aged 78
Soap actor Johnny Leeze has died after having a heart attack, aged 78.
The actor, who was best known for roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, died following a short illness earlier this month, his daughter Holly confirmed.
Holly told the Daily Star that Johnny, who famously played Ned Glover in Emmerdale, tested positive for coronavirus shortly before he died two weeks ago.
She said her father had a heart attack on the morning of his death and was taken to hospital.
She said he had been ill for two weeks prior to his hospitalisation and tested positive for Covid 24 hours before he passed away.
Holly said: “He was my friend, he was such a strong, strong man.
“He was such a great guy, a really funny guy. He was loved by everybody really. Even by his ex-wife, who is with me today, my mum.
“I don’t know what else to say. I’m numb, I just can’t get my head round it at the minute.
“I want to say so much more about him but I just don’t know what to say.”
Johnny’s brother Phillip confirmed the news on social media. He wrote: “It is with deep regret to inform you all my brother John passed away this morning.
“A lot of you will remember him as Ned Glover in Emmerdale, or comedian Johnny Leeze, on the club scene.
“He had Covid, and underlying health issues. He made thousands laugh. He will be missed greatly by us all.”
“Rest in Peace John.”
Leeze played Ned Glover in Emmerdale from 1994 to 1999. Before that, he starred as Harry Clayton in Coronation Street for several months in 1985.
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