ITV Coronation Street leaves fans in tears with moving tribute to Fred Elliott star John Savident after his death aged 86
Coronation Street fans were left emotional as the ITV soap paid tribute to Fred Elliott star John Savident after his death aged 86
Coronation Street viewers were left in tears when the show said goodbye to Fred Elliott actor John Savident, who passed away at 86. John Savident was famous for his loud voice and playing the butcher Fred Elliott in the show from 1994 until he left in 2006.
He was known for being cheerful but sometimes a bit grumpy, and everyone remembered him saying: “I say.” His agent shared the sad news on Friday: “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.”
John came from Guernsey and leaves behind his wife Rona Hopkinson, their two sons, and many grandchildren, The Mirror reports. At the end of Monday’s Coronation Street, they showed a picture of John and wrote: “In memory of John Savident 1938 – 2024.” People on Twitter felt very emotional about this.
One viewer wrote: “That tribute to John Savident at the end of the episode got me. RIP #Corrie”, another person said: “Nice little memoriam to #JohnSavident at the end of tonight’s #Corrie” and someone else commented: “Lovely tribute to John at the end #Corrie.”
ITV’s executive producer for continuing drama, 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.”
Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts, also shared her feelings with The Mirror: “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. God bless you and thank you for being in my life. Much love to you and your friends and family.”
John joined the Coronation Street cast in 1994 and soon became a character that fans loved. His time on the show was full of ups and downs, with three weddings and lots of times when he almost got married but didn’t. Then there was a big surprise when Ashley Peacock, played by Steven Arnold, turned up and turned out to be his son.
They got on really well and worked together as butchers. In 2005, John said he was going to leave the show for “personal reasons”. The next year, his character had a stroke and died just when he was about to marry Bev Unwin, who Susie Blake plays.
