Clive took a break from the show in February 2008 due to illness, but tragically died in July later that year. At the time, Jack was the longest-serving Emmerdale character and Clive being the longest-serving actor, until Richard Thorp, who played Alan Turner, surpassed him in 2010 and Christopher Chittell who plays Eric Pollard surpassed him 2014. A special tribute episode to Clive was broadcast on the 10th February 2009, in which Jack's funeral took place, with special guest returns of Sheila Mercier, who played Jack's mother Annie and Karl Davies, who played his son Robert.