Coronation Street’s Sue Nicholls pays tribute to ex co-star John Savident after his death aged 86: ‘My memories of working with him are a joy’
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Sue Nicholls has paid tribute to her Coronation Street co-star John Savident following his death aged 86.
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap from 1994 to 2006.
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.’
Sue, 80, plays Audrey Roberts on Coronation Street and memorably told Fred she wished she was marrying him the day he was to tie the knot with Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).
In a statement, she said: ‘I am very sad to hear of John’s passing. My memories of working with you dear John on the street are a joy, and always will be.
Sue Nicholls has paid tribute to her Coronation Street co-star John Savident following his death aged 86
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap from 1994 to 2006
‘God bless you and thank you for being in my life. Much love to you and your friends and family.’
ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama Iain MacLeod said: ‘Everyone at Coronation Street is deeply saddened to learn of John Savident’s death. As Fred Elliott, John firmly established himself in the pantheon of Coronation Street greats.
‘His peerless comic timing, combined with a deep pathos arising from his outstanding dramatic skill, made Fred an unforgettable, iconic character that provided great joy to viewers for many years.
‘On behalf of everyone here, I would like to extend condolences to John’s family and close friends at this sad time.’
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.
Savident’s character was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev (Susie Blake). His final episode was watched by 11 million viewers.
The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson – who he married in 1961 and their two children.
His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals
The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson – who he married in 1961 and their two children
Along with his work in Coronation Street, Savident appeared in several stage shows and appeared on shows including Holby City and The Bill.
He had a small role in Stanley Kubrick’s classic A Clockwork Orange in 1971 as conspirator Dolin.
Savident also made an appearance in the 1995 adaptation of Othello with Laurence Fishburne as the title character.
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