Trivia

Former builder and shopkeeper. Entered show business as a part-time nightclub singer, before picking up work on television as an extra.

Suffered a massive heart attack in 1976 and a stroke the following year. He underwent bypass surgery ten years later, and then underwent a second bypass and had a pacemaker fitted following a minor heart attack in 2002.

Is one of 8 Coronation Street (1960) actors to win the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards. The others are William Roache, Barbara Knox, Johnny Briggs, Elizabeth Dawn, Betty Driver, Helen Worth and Anne Kirkbride.

He was given his stage name as a tribute to Mel Tormé.

Grandfather of Leigh (b. 1986), Curtis (b. 1989) and Matthew (b. 1992), via son Carl.

His widow, Alma, died in September 2015.

In spite of all his health problems he refused to give up smoking.

Was presented his Lifetime Achievement Award at The British Soap Awards 2011 (2011) by his former Coronation Street (1960) co-stars Elizabeth Dawn and Alan Halsall. Dawn's character Vera Duckworth was Tarmey's character Jack Duckworth's wife and Halsall's character Tyrone Dobbs was their surrogate son on the show.

Father of Carl (1966-2019) and Sara (b. 1970).

Married an ex school teacher, Alma.

His wife, Alma, was an ex schoolteacher.