One of Coronation Street’s original stars has sadly died at the age of 94.
Ernst Walder played Ivan Cheveski on the ITV cobbles, one of the original cast members alongside the likes of Ken Barlow star William Roache.
He was also the boyfriend of the ITV soap’s co-creator Tony Warren in the 1960s.
But today, ex-Corrie writer Daran Little confirmed that the star sadly died last December.
He told Twitter followers: “Very sad to read of the passing of dearest Ernst Walder.
“An original C St cast member who quickly became Tony Warren’s boyfriend before Tony caught him in bed with another cast member.”
He added: “Ernst used to send my sons chocolates every Christmas and was the loveliest man.”
Ernst held the role of Ivan from 1960 until 1963, and made further appearances in 1966 and 1967.
His character Ivan was married to Elsie Tanner’s daughter Linda, and when it turned out Linda was pregnant the pair decided to rekindle their love after an initial separation.
In 1984, it was revealed that the couple had gone their separate ways off-screen.
His last appearance came in late September that year.
Tributes have also been pouring in for Ernst online, with one fan writing: “Rest in Peace Ernst.”
Another penned: “Sad to read of the death of Ernst Walder, he played Ivan Cheveski in Coronation Street and was one of the original characters back in 1960.
“Extremely close to Pat Phoenix, he had so much charisma in those early years. Very sad to read of his passing.”
(Image: PA)
After his Corrie stint, Ernst went on to appear in short-lived soap Castle Haven between 1969 and 1970.
He also made appearances in Spy!, Crown Court and The Brief.
In his real life, Ernst regaled fans with the tale of being hit by an elderly woman while shopping in a department store, as his character had insulted pregnant Linda.
Fans also bought him cigars, champagne and baby toys when his on-screen son Paul was born.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
