Coronation Street fans devastated as they pay tribute to ‘soap legend’ Fred Elliott as he dies aged 86
CORONATION Street fans have been left devastated as they paid tribute to 'soap legend' Fred Elliott after actor John Savident died aged 86.
The actor's death was confirmed by his agent on Friday, with a statement reading: "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 was best known for his role as butcher Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, which he played from 1994 until 2006.
During that time, he became known for adding "I say" to most of his sentences, and repeating what he'd just said.
Following the news of John's death, Coronation Street fans shared their sadness at the loss of a soap icon.
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One paid their respects on X - formerly Twitter - in typical Fred style writing: "Sorry to hear, I say sorry to hear Fred was a legendary, funny character character RIP."
Another tweeted: "Ah one of my all time favourite soap characters. Great actor who could turn his hand to anything and make it shine."
A third added: "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."
Meanwhile a fourth shared: "Gawd bless you John Savident, I SAY God bless you. One of Corrie's finest, true unforgettable classic character and a marvellous actor."
Fred's storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.
A secret son, Ashley Peacock, also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together.
Fred was killed off in 2006, after he suffered a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin.
After leaving Corrie, he told the Mirror: "It was the show itself that did for me - it was breaking my heart.
" I was becoming an absentee husband, father and grandfather by spending so many hours working on The Street.
"I couldn't go on any longer - the whole situation was becoming ridiculous and deeply distressing."