Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has posted an emotional tribute to her “guardian angel” grandad.
Taking to social media, Catherine, 35, uploaded an adorable throwback snap with her grandad Jim to celebrate Father’s Day.
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In an Instagram Story, Catherine is seen with cute pigtails and a smiling grandad Jim in the garden.
She captioned the story: “I’ll always be your girl #GrandadJim.”
Entertainer Jim helped to launch Catherine’s career, but tragically died from cancer.
“He became too weak and we lost him. My giant, the indestructible Jim Thornhill, had fought his last fight,” she told the Manchester Evening News.
“The last days I had with him will be held in my heart forever.
“When he whispered to me ‘I love you’ I knew he meant it with every single bone in his body,” she said.
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Cath also posted up another cute throwback with her dad, this time at her wedding to Tom Pitfield in 2016.
She accompanied the snap with: “Happy Father’s Day to my dad! ‘G-Unit’ I love you with all my heart.
“Thank you for being you, for grafting your whole life to provide, for the sacrifices you made, the time you gave, the love you poured, the curries you cooked, the daft things you say, the car rides home at daft o’clock, for being the best grandad to Alf, the best father in law to Tom… and the best friend to me. I love you dad. So much.”
Some of her 503,000 followers were quick to express their delight.
“Such a special moment and a lovely picture, your dress is amazing x,” one said.
Another commented: “How lovely, you can see the pride all over his face. Cherish every moment.”
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Last week, Catherine said she would be open to returning to Coronation Street.
“Yeah, never say never!
“It was my home for a long time and I’d love to see Eva go back there at some point when the time’s right for me,” she told Metro.
“It would be [lovely] to revisit that. She was great to play.”
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