John Savident, best known for playing Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, has died aged 86, his agent has said.
“We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February,” his agent said.
“He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Savident arrived on the famous cobbles in 1994 and was quickly established as a fan favourite, known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred on the ITV soap.
His disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals, was among his most memorable storylines.
A secret son, Ashley Peacock, played by Steven Arnold, also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together.
John Savident.Pic: PA
In 2006, his character was killed off the show after suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin, played by Susie Blake.
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