John Savident: Coronation Street's Fred Elliot star dies
23.02.2024 - 12:14
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
John Savident, known for playing Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, has died aged 86, his agent has said.
In 1994, Savident arrived on the cobbles and quickly became a fan favourite. He become known for his booming voice and his relationship with his once secret son Ashley Peacock, while playing the local butcher on the ITV soap.
His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals. As mentioned, Ashley, played by 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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Savident’s character was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).
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."
Tributes have now poured in for the soap icon, @mishybabez_ said: "Absolutely heartbroken. Thank you for the legendary Fred Elliott he will always be the best Coronation Street character of all time #Corrie #RIPJohnSavident." @JamieSummersTV commented: "RIP John. Fred was exceptional #Corrie."
@TheManDanUnder shared: "No! I say No! RIP John Savident aka Fred Elliott from #Corrie #RIPJohnSavident." @SocialMediaJon1 added: "RIP Fred Elliott What a character and was great in A Clockwork Orange #Corrie."
Savident previously told the Manchester Evening News tjat when he first got the role in Coronation Street, he copied the