Coronation Street star Carol Royle announces death of husband Julian Spear after jumping in cold pool

The husband of Coronation Street actress Carol Royle has died after jumping into a cold outdoor pool he believed was heated.

Julian Spear, 74, a music industry veteran, suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage after swimming at a David Lloyd health club in Hampton, southwest London, according to the Daily Mail.

He had seen steam rising from the pool and assumed it was heated, as it had been on previous visits over the past four years.

Despite feeling shaken by the cold water, Spear drove home to Twickenham, made lunch, and began working on Christmas cards before falling ill.

His wife found him collapsed in a downstairs cloakroom after he called out for help several hours after jumping in the water.

Spear was rushed to West Middlesex Hospital but died the following day due to inoperable internal bleeding in the brain.

Royle, described him as a “wonderful husband” and “the healthiest person you could meet” to the outlet.

“We met as teenagers and reunited in 1977. He completed me one hundred per cent,” she said.

“He was the healthiest person you could meet, he ate organic wholefood. He was a keen jogger, he would run every day.

“He used to cycle to the shops rather than drive and he’d go for a walk after every meal.”

She remembered her husband’s passion for life and music, his encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, and his selfless nature.

“He loved life and lived it to the full. He was kind, genuine, and generous. He inspired us all,” Royle added.

She called him “humble” adding that he never boasted about his success including working with artists such as Barry White, Cheryl Crow and Elvis Costello.

Royle also confirmed the news in a Facebook post.

“I am desperately sorry to post that we lost my wonderful husband, Julian Spear, today, 9th December,” she wrote.

“Perfectly fit man but jumped into a freezing outdoor pool which he assumed was heated as per usual yesterday, and he developed a sudden massive brain haemorrhage — our hearts are aching.

“Married 47 years — known each other 56. Forgive me if I am not on Facebook very much for a while x.”

Their daughter Tally and son Taran also paid heartfelt tributes, highlighting their father’s love, support, and devotion as a father.

David Lloyd Leisure told the Daily Mail the pool temperature was colder than usual due to the weather but remained within safe limits, with signs notifying members of the change.

“We are sorry to hear of the passing of Julian Spear who was a member at our Hampton Club,” a spokesperson said.

‘Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.