Monkees lead singer Davy Jones has died in America.
Medical officials in Florida confirmed the Manchester-born singer and actor had died but would not comment on the cause of his death.
Jones, who found fame as the frontman of the band put together to star in their own TV show, had an early start in showbusiness when he appeared as Ena Sharples’ grandson in Coronation Street.
Three of the band’s original members - Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork – got back together last year to play a series of gigs.
The band had nine top 40 hits including I'm A Believer and Pleasant Valley Sunday but were initially criticised for the manufactured nature of their career, with Californian rivals The Byrds mocking them in their single So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star.
But they eventually proved themselves, writing more of their own songs and starring in 1960s cult film Head with Jack Nicholson.
The band’s fourth original member, Mike Nesmith, who went on to record a series of critically acclaimed country albums, did not take part in the reunion.
A spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office for Martin County, Florida, said: “The District 19 Medical Examiner’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr Davy Jones.
“The Medical Examiner’s Office will take jurisdiction and a possible autopsy will be performed and evaluation of the circumstances of death and medical information.”
PA