Coronation Street star reveals heartbreak after pal dies unexpectedly in their sleep aged 47

A CORONATION Street star has revealed her heartbreak after a close friend died unexpectedly in their sleep aged just 47.

Actress Nicola Thorp, 37, who is best known for playing Pat Phelan’s daughter Nicola Rubinstein on the ITV soap, paid tribute to her pal with an emotional post.

Taking to Instagram, the former soap star shared a slew of pics, which included her with her late friend Danny.

One of the slides read: “Last week, a friend of ours died unexpectedly as he slept.

“He was an incredible father, partner, friend and colleague to so many who thought so much of him.

“His name is Danny, and he leaves behind his baby daughter and his fiancé, my wonderful friend Victoria who has shown such strength and bravery in the face of unbearable grief.

“Hold your loved ones close. We love you Danny.”

There was also a picture of him with his partner Victoria, who he sadly leaves behind.

Commenting on this, Nicola wrote: “I hope you all find someone who looks at you the way Danny looked at Vic.”

Danny was also dad to a young daughter, and a GoFundMe page has been set up in his honour.

Speaking about this, Nicola said: “If you’re able to give a donation, or share a link to this GoFundMe, it will go towards helping Victoria and baby get through a period of great uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, Nicola is best known for her time on Coronation Street, playing Nicola from 2017.

After leaving the cobbles in 2019, she has switched her attention to presenting and opinion-led roles after making headlines as an outspoken activist.

Since 2020, Nicola has been a regular panellist on This Morning, where she often discusses the regular news of the day.