Former Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs has died at the age of 85, his family announced in a statement.
The star, who was best known for playing lothario Mike Baldwin on the ITV soap, was surrounded by his family when he died.
His family said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.
“He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85.
“We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him. Thank you.”
Johnny’s character Mike Baldwin was a bit of a lothario on Coronation Street (Image: Granada Television)
The soap star played wheeler-dealer Mike Baldwin between 1976 and 2006 and appeared in more than 2,300 episodes.
He eventually left the ITV soap when his character Mike died.
Mike had been suffering from Alzheimer’s and collapsed in the street after he had a heart attack, eventually dying in the arms of Corrie icon Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache.
Johnny had been suffering with a ‘long illness’ (Image: PA)
And the reason for Johnny’s exit was so he could spend more time with his family – and play golf in sunny America.
He previously admitted to struggling with the busy schedule while working on the soap.
“When I started we were filming two episodes a week and now we’re doing five,” he said.
“I’d like to try other acting work like movies.”
Johnny had six children and had been married twice – first to Caroline Sinclair between 1961 and 1975, and then Christine Allsop between 1977 and 2006.
In recent years, Johnny had been splitting his time between his home in North Somerset, and a home in Florida.
After news of Johnny’s death broke, tributes began pouring in online.
One person wrote: “Sad to hear Johnny Briggs has died. An absolute icon of Corrie and part of some of my favourite storylines on the show over the years.”
Johnny Briggs has died at the age of 85, his family shared in a statement (Image: PA)
Another tweeted: “RIP Johnny Briggs, the original wheeling dealing ladies’ man of the cobbles.”
A third said: “A soap hero has sadly left us. I remember sitting with my mum watching the legendary Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street. RIP Johnny.”
Someone else tweeted: “RIP Johnny Briggs, the one and only Mike Baldwin, a true legend on Corrie.”
While a fifth added: “Sad news about the actor Johnny Briggs. Will always be remembered as the charismatic, lucky and devious businessman Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street. RIP.”
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
While Johnny was best known for playing Mike Baldwin, he had a number of other acting credits.
Johnny had roles in the likes of Crossroads, The Saint, and several Carry On films.
He also appeared in Holby City and Agatha Christie’s Marple, and was handed a lifetime achievement award at the 2006 British Soap Awards.
Just months later he was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year Honours.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
