Bill Kenwright’s wife Jenny Seagrove shares tribute to ‘my darling Bill’ as Everton FC chairman and Corrie star dies

BILL Kenwright’s wife Jenny Seagrove has shared a tribute to “my darling Bill” after the Everton FC chairman and Corrie star died.

Kenwright’s death aged 78 following a cancer battle was announced by his “devastated” family, including Jenny and their daughter Lucy.

ReutersBill Kenwright has died[/caption]

His wife Jenny Seagrove paid tribute to him

Posting on Twitter, Jenny said: “I lost my darling Bill last night”.

The ex-Corrie star went under the knife in August this year when the growth was found in his liver.

Kenwright was forced to stay in intensive care for longer due to complications in the procedure.

But he was told he was allowed to continue his treatment at home and was released from hospital earlier this month.

Kenwright’s family said he passed away “peacefully” last night surrounded by his loved ones after a “long battle with illness”.

Everton also paid tribute to their chairman, saying: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

“Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.

“A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.

“In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.

“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”

Everton previously told how Kenwright had been carrying out his club duties still even while recuperating from his op.

He has been chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.

Kenwright was also one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.

His most famous productions include in West End hit Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Kenwright was also a judge on the 2007 BBC series Any Dream Will Do.

The former actor, who had a role in Coronation Street in 1968, was married to theatre star Jenny Seagrove.

He was previously married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980 and then went on to date Virginia Stride, who he shares a daughter and two grandchildren with.

His family said: “Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.

“He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.

“In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.

“During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.

“We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.

“A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.”