United Kingdom, Aug. 24 -- Craig T. Nelson has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime Coach co-star Shelley Fabares following her death at 82 - remembering the actress as an "extraordinary woman" who became a foundational part of his life.

The 82-year-old actor starred opposite Shelley for nine seasons of the ABC sports sitcom, playing college football coach Hayden Fox while she portrayed his partner and eventual wife, television news anchor Christine Armstrong.

Shelley died in Los Angeles on Saturday (22.08.26) after a brief illness, her family confirmed, bringing to a close a career that also encompassed The Donna Reed Show, One Day at a Time, three films with Elvis Presley and the chart-topping single Johnny Angel.

Craig has now ...