ITV Coronation Street icon John Savident dies at 86 as tributes flood in to Fred Elliott star
Savident starred as Fred between 1994 and 2006
ITV
John Savident has died at the age of 86, 18 years after leaving his iconic Coronation Street role.
Savident starred as former signature character, butcher Fred Elliott, the father of Ashley Peacock (played by Steven Arnold).
A statement from the actor's agent to PA News Agency said: "We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday.
"He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
Savident became a fan favourite on the ITV soap, known for his loud voice and unique way of speaking as well as his comedic one-liners.
While a light-hearted character, his soap alter-ego was involved in some big plots on the soap, with his failed marriages an ongoing theme. He also didn't know about the existence of his son Ashley until he arrived on the cobbles to find his father.
Savident starred as Fred between 1994 and 2006
Getty
In 2006, the character suffered a stroke on his wedding day to Bev Unwin (Susie Blake), bringing a tragic end to his story.
Speaking in 2008, Savident admitted that although he had wanted to take a step back from the soap to spend more time with his family, he would have preferred to remain on the show.
He told The People: "I did think [the producers] might find some way to accommodate me. Quite honestly I was surprised and disappointed that they didn’t try a bit harder.
"I told them a year in advance that I was going and then they took me out for dinner and said, ‘We’re not going to insult you, John, by trying to make you stay’. And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Please, go on, insult me’.”
John Savident and Elspet Gray in a scene from the unaired pilot of the BBC television series Blackadder
Getty
It didn't take long for fans to floor to X, formerly Twitter, to share their tributes to the former soap stalwart.
Among these was former Coronation Street writer, Daran Little, who posted a photo of himself with a smiling Savident and captioned it: "Oh darling John Savident. So many happy memories forever in my heart. Rest in peace my friend, Big D xx."
"Sorry to hear about the passing of actor John Savident, he played Fred Elliot in Coronation Street for many years.John, you were brilliant, I say, you were brilliant x #RIP," another X user wrote.
A third added: "RIP John Savident - aka butcher Fred Elliott in Corrie.Arguably one of the most distinctive characters - and deliveries - in British soap history."
Another shared: "RIP John Savident. What a class act you were. Fred Elliott is my favourite soap character of all time & that was down to John’s exceptional talent. He portrayed him perfectly. I say he portrayed him perfectly."
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The actor was known for his iconic Coronation Street character
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"Nay lad... The most wonderful of character actors John Savident has died aged 86. Such a talented man, I say, such a talented man. Much adored as cheeky butcher Fred Elliott in Coronation Street. Thanks for all the joy," a different fan reflected.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of John Savident who played #Corrie’s eccentric butcher, Fred Elliott. Fred was the epitome of a #ClassicCorrie character and will be remembered for years to come, I say years to come. RIP John," (sic) another posted.
Coronation Street's official X page shared a poignant statement in memory of the actor. It read: "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."
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