Coronation Street star John Savident has died aged 86, it has been confirmed.
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap.
A statement from his agent to the PA news agency 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.
His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.
Coronation Street star John Savident has died aged 86, it has been confirmed
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap
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 Unwin (Susie Blake).
The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson and their two children.
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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