A much-loved former star of Coronation Street has tragically passed away.
John Savident - known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap - died on Wednesday 21 February, his agent has confirmed.
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His agent 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."
The widely-adored actor - who was also known for his performance as Monsieur Firmin in the West End cast of The Phantom of the Opera - first landed in Wetherfield as a butcher back in 1994, becoming a fan-favourite almost immediately.
Whilst his storylines remained rather lighthearted - including a turbulent love life, three weddings and numerous failed proposals - the arrival of his on-screen son Ashley (played by Steve Arnold) saw the pair form a heart-felt bond which often left viewers in tears after he joined his father in the butcher's.
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Back in 2006 - fourteen years after first arriving on the Cobbles - the well-loved character of Fred was killed off.
The on-screen star suffered a fatal stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin (played by Susie Blake), with actor Steve Arnold leaving the show four years later.
Outside of Corrie, Savident starred in political comedy Yes, Minister, Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian thriller A Clockwork Orange, and biopic Gandhi.
He also made appearances in war film Battle Of Britain, sci-fi series Doctor Who and period dramas The Remains Of The Day and Middlemarch.
Topics: Coronation Street, TV And Film, ITV, Celebrity, Health
Rhianna Benson