Tributes have been paid to actor Bernard Hill following his death at 79.
Hill rose to fame as Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s legendary 1982 TV drama Boys From The Blackstuff which spawned the ‘Gizza job’ catchphrase.
The Manchester native also starred in a screen adaptation of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine, Bleasdale’s No Surrender and local independent film Going off Big Time.
Hill’s links with the city’s performing art scene continued with a role in the second series of ‘The Responder’, written by Liverpudlian screenwriter Tony Schumacher.
He had been due to make a guest appearance at Liverpool’s Comic Con this weekend but was a late withdrawal due to his partner being taken ill.
In a statement on social media, organisers of the event paid tribute to him.
They said: “We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing. A great loss.
“Thinking of his family at this very sad time, and wishing them a lot of strength.”
The Royal Court Theatre, which will be hosting the stage adaptation of Boys From The Blackstuff for four nights from May 7, also paid a heartfelt tribute.
“An incredible actor and one forever tied to Liverpool through Yosser Hughes,” said a spokesperson.
“Bernard shared a beautiful story about seeing Boys from the Blackstuff [in 2023] when he was filming The Responder.
“But in truth, if it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be showing this on the stage.
“In creating an iconic, unforgettable performance in Yosser Hughes, Bernard created a legend, an image and identity so close to that of Liverpool and our history.”