Coronation Street star John Savident has died at the age of 86.
The actor is best known for playing the role of Fred Elliott on the ITV soap for over 10 years, first appearing on the cobbles in 1994 with the loveable butcher dying on screen in 2006.
News of his death was confirmed by Savident's agent on Friday (February 23).
"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," a statement read.
Savident started out as a police officer before quitting the force to begin his career in acting.
Prior to his soap role, the actor appeared as Doctor Meredith in The Remains of the Day, and appeared in a 1982 Doctor Who serial. He also starred in the original 1986 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera as Monsieur Firmin.
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Fred Elliott remains his most famous role, with viewers having a soft spot for the butcher who was always unlucky in love. Fred, who had an unofficial catchphrase of 'I Say', was wed three times on the show and had several unsuccessful proposals.
He was due to marry Bev Unwin (portrayed by actress Susie Blake) in his final episode back in 2006, but suffered a stroke and died ahead of the nuptials.
Soap fans will remember Fred's close bond with son Ashley Peacock on the show, who helped his dad out at the family butchers.
Ashley grew up thinking his parents were Sam and Beryl Peacock, but later discovered his "uncle Fred" was actually his father, born to mum Kathleen Gutteridge (Beryl's sister).
Kathleen and Fred were never married, with Fred's wives including Sybil Elliott (1959), Maureen Holdsworth (1997) and Evelyn Sykes (2001). He proposed to Kathleen and three others including Doreen Heavey, Rita Sullivan, and Audrey Roberts.
Savident married real-life wife Rona Hopkinson in 1961. He is survived by Hopkinson and their two children.
