Coronation Street star’s ‘incredible’ friend, 47, dies suddenly

| Soaps Reporter Published September 9, 2026 1:11pm Updated September 9, 2026 1:11pm Nicola Thorp shares sad tribute to friend who died aged 47 (Picture: Instagram/ Nicola Thorp) Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp has shared her heartbreak following the unexpected death of a close friend at the age of 47. The actress, who played Nicola Rubinstein in the ITV soap, took to Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to her friend Danny, who died unexpectedly in his sleep. Nicola, 37, shared a picture of Danny alongside his fiancée Victoria, as well as a snap showing the friends together during happier times. She accompanied the photographs with a particularly touching message about the couple’s relationship, writing: ‘I hope you all find someone who looks at you the way Danny looked at Vic’ Another slide explained the devastating circumstances surrounding Danny’s death and paid tribute to the impact he had on those around him. It read: ‘Last week, a friend of ours died unexpectedly as he slept. Victoria and Dan shared a daughter together (Picture: Instagram/ Nicola Thorp) ‘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. ‘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. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘Hold your loved ones close. ‘We love you Danny’ A GoFundMe has now been set up to support Victoria and the couple’s young daughter following Danny’s sudden death. Nicola used her social media platform to draw attention to the fundraiser, asking those who are in a position to help to donate or simply share the appeal. The actress’ tribute focused not only on her own loss but also on the unimaginable grief being faced by her friend Victoria as she comes to terms with losing her fiancé while caring for their baby daughter. Nicola will be familiar to Coronation Street viewers for her role as Nicola Rubinstein, the long-lost daughter of one of the soap’s most notorious villains, Pat Phelan. Nicola also regularly appears on This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) She first arrived on the cobbles in 2017, when Nicola had no idea that Phelan was her biological father, or about the horrifying crimes he had committed. Her discovery of the truth eventually put her firmly against him, with Nicola becoming caught up in the dramatic storyline which ultimately brought Phelan’s reign of terror to an end. During her time in Weatherfield, Nicola also had a relationship with Gary Windass and became pregnant with their son Zack. After the dramatic events surrounding her father, she eventually left Weatherfield for Bristol, with Nicola’s main stint on the soap ending in 2018. She later made a brief return in 2019. Away from acting, Nicola has become a familiar face on television as a presenter and commentator, including appearances as a panellist on This Morning. She has also been outspoken on a number of social and political issues over the years, using her public profile to campaign on causes close to her. Her latest social media post, however, was an intensely personal one as she remembered a friend whose death has left those closest to him devastated. Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Alongside the appeal to support the family Danny leaves behind, Nicola’s simple message to her followers summed up the emotion behind her tribute: ‘Hold your loved ones close.’ Arrow MORE: EastEnders star Shane Richie facing trial after entering drink drive plea Arrow MORE: EastEnders legend Adam Woodyatt’s mission after son hit by car Arrow MORE: Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach declares love for EastEnders star: ‘So happy we met’ The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.