Coronation Street star John Savident left his wife £21k in his will after his death aged 86

Coronation Street star John Savident has left his wife £21,000 in his will, documented released on Wednesday show. 

The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap.

He passed away on February 21, aged 86, with a statement saying he will be ‘sorely missed by all who knew him.’
Documents obtained by The Sun show he left his his entire estate to his wife Rona Hopkinson. 

They married in 1962 and went on to have two children and several grandchildren 

Coronation Street star John Savident has left his wife £21,000 in his will, documented released on Wednesday show (pictured in 2012)

The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap (pictured on the programme in 1995)

The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap (pictured on the programme in 1995)

A statement from his agent to the PA news agency in February said: ‘We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February, he was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.’

In 1994, Savident arrived on the cobbles and quickly became a fan favourite.

Fred is well remembered by fans for his friend Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) declaring her love for him just as he was due to marry Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).

His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.

A secret son, Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together.

Savident’s character was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev (Susie Blake). His final episode was watched by 11 million viewers. 

The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson – who he married in 1961 and their two children. 

ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama Iain MacLeod said: ‘Everyone at Coronation Street is deeply saddened to learn of John Savident’s death. As Fred Elliott, John firmly established himself in the pantheon of Coronation Street greats.

Documents obtained by The Sun show he left his his entire estate to his wife Rona Hopkinson (pictured on Wish You Were Here in 2008)

Documents obtained by The Sun show he left his his entire estate to his wife Rona Hopkinson (pictured on Wish You Were Here in 2008) 

‘His peerless comic timing, combined with a deep pathos arising from his outstanding dramatic skill, made Fred an unforgettable, iconic character that provided great joy to viewers for many years. 

‘On behalf of everyone here, I would like to extend condolences to John’s family and close friends at this sad time.’ 

His Coronation Street co-star Sue Nicholls said in tribute: ‘I am very sad to hear of John’s passing. My memories of working with you dear John on the street are a joy, and always will be. God bless you and thank you for being in my life. Much love to you and your friends and family.’

Along with his work in Coronation Street, Savident appeared in several stage shows and appeared on shows including Holby City and The Bill. 

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