Coronation Street legend John Savident, who played the iconic Fred Elliott, has died aged 86.
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing the butcher on the ITV soap. A statement from his agent to the PA news agency on Friday (February 23) 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. 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.
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Fred was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin (Susie Blake). Fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the Corrie legend. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “Exceptional character in our favourite soap. RIP John Savident.” Another added: “Another great actor sadly passed away John Savident (Fred Elliot) R.IP.”
(Image: Daily Record)
A third person wrote: “Always loved the character of Fred Elliott, and he is a highlight to watch on the ITV3 repeats at the moment. John Savident played him well and it was a sad day, I say a sad day when Fred collapsed in Audrey’s porch. Condolences to his family at this sad time.” A fourth social media user said: “It’s heartbreaking to hear of the passing of John Savident who played Fred Elliott in Coronation Street he was such a lovely man sending condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace John Savident.”
(Image: PA)
Savident is also known for his performance as Monsieur Firmin in the West End cast of The Phantom of the Opera. He is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson who he married back in 1961. The couple have two children and several grandchildren. In 2011, Savident admitted that he didn’t have time to watch Corrie. He said at the time: “Honestly I rarely watch Corrie now. Some of the young people just want to be on screen and have no ambition to act elsewhere – what future do they have when their contract ends?
(Image: Granada Television)
“One of them asked me who this Laurence Olivier was I was talking about as he’d never heard of him! Olivier was my hero and I had the honour of working with him on a couple of occasions. I took Sir Ian McKellen to task by asking how he could play a role in Corrie which meant some poor actor who needed the work lost out. He didn’t reply – just hung his head.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
