Peter Adamson died at the age of 72 in 2002 and was a “virtual recluse” in his last years after his acting career fell apart.
14:53, 22 Jun 2025Updated 14:54, 22 Jun 2025
Peter Adamson died at the age of 72 in 2002 and was a “virtual recluse” in his last years after his acting career fell apart.
An ITV Coronation Street star has died penniless on benefits after 23 years on the soap. Len Fairclough actor Peter Adamson died at the age of 72 in 2002 and was a “virtual recluse” in his last years after his acting career fell apart.
Adamson died alone and penniless in hospital – while he was on living on benefits – while suffering from stomach cancer. The 72-year-old was one of Britain’s most popular stars, but his career was ruined after he was accused of child abuse in 1983.
The shamed TV star became withdrawn after the scandal, barely seeing anyone and when he died in Lincoln County Hospital he was alone.
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A spokeswoman for Granada TV said: “We heard about Peter’s death from his brother Clifford, who rang to tell us. We had heard he was ill, but didn’t know what was wrong. We’re very sorry to hear of Peter’s death and send our sincerest condolences to his family.
“Peter was one of the big stars of Coronation Street in his role as Len Fairclough.” A spokeswoman for Lincoln County Hospital said: “I confirm that we did have a patient called Peter Adamson, who died last Thursday.”
His acting career crumbled when he was accused of indecently assaulting two young girls at a public swimming pool. Despite being cleared, Street bosses decided to sack him after he sold his story to a newspaper for an estimated £110,000.
Scriptwriters killed off Len by writing a dramatic scene in which he died of a heart attack while at the wheel of his car.
In the aftermath of his exit from Weatherfield, Adamson struggled to find work after the scandal and spent his last years living on benefits in a rundown one-bedroom flat in Welton, Lincolnshire.
After the trial Adamson said: “The jury exonerated me but I still feel sullied and dirty today. I am not a paedophile. I have four grandchildren I love dearly. But to some I am guilty.”