Coronation Street star Frank Mills who played Billy Williams on the soap dies aged 93
Coronation Street star Frank Mills has died aged 93.
The ‘much loved’ actor, who played Betty’s husband Billy Williams on the long-running ITV soap for two years, passed away on February 11.
The news of Frank’s death comes a day after it was announced Cobbles legend Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years on the soap had died aged 85.
Sad loss: Coronation Street star Frank Mills who played Betty’s husband Billy Williams on the long-running ITV soap, passed away on February 11 aged 93 (pictured in Corrie 1995)
His obituary in the Maldon Standard reads: ‘Albert ‘Frank’ Mills sadly passed away on 11th February, aged 93 years.’
The tribute described him as a ‘Much loved Father to Paula and Ruth, Grandad to Amy, Phil and Lizi, and Great Grandad to Kara and Jack.’
It added: ‘Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, private funeral will take place on Monday 8th March, with a full Memorial Service planned for later in the year as a celebration of Frank’s life.
‘Flowers or donations, if desired, payable to Farleigh Hospice may be sent c/o G W Hardy & Son, The Green, Finchingfield, Essex CM7 4JS.’
His obituary in the Maldon Standard reads: ‘Albert ‘Frank’ Mills sadly passed away on 11th February, aged 93 years’ (Frank as Jimmy Nunn in The Good Companions in 1980)
The London born actor also starred in Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War and The Palace.
Frank joined joined Coronation Street in 1995 as barmaid Betty’s love interest. He first appeared in a scene with Archie Wardle where he recognised Betty as she worked behind the bar.
The former flames rekindled their love and married in October 1995, however their happiness was short-lived as Billy died of a heart attack two years later.
Frank had a minor Corrie role in 1976 as Ivor Mortlake before joining as a full-time cast member 20 years later.