Carrigstown characters will learn of Charlie’s death in emotional Fair City tonight

The residents of Carrigstown will learn of beloved character Charlie Kelly's death in tonight's episode of Fair City.

The soap is paying tribute to actor Tom Jordan, who played Charlie since the first episode in 1989. He passed away in June at the age of 82. Viewers will tonight see Bela getting a call from Charlie's relatives in Canada to tell him that he has died in his sleep. People from across Carrigstown will come together at the community centre in Charlie's honour, remembering him as "a gentleman through and through" and as the "heart of the community." Fair City executive Brigie De Courcy previously described Tom as the "heart" of the soap.

"A consummate actor, and a strong advocate for his colleagues across the industry, he will remain a legend for the viewers and for everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

Jim Bartley, who plays Bela, shared a dressing room with Tom on the Fair City set. "I’ve known Tom for 40 years, and he was a big part of my life," he said in the wake of his death. "We’d discuss everything from the meaning of life to the profession we work in together over a pint, and he was one of the best friends I’ve had in the business."