Coronation Street’s John Savident Dead at 86

John Savident, best known to fans of the UK soap Coronation Street as Fred the butcher, died on Feb. 21 at the age of 86.

“He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” his rep said in a statement.

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A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts on the ITV sudser, reacted to her onetime co-star’s passing with a statement to the UK’s Mirror, saying: “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.”

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Savident first arrived on Coronation Street in 1994, and his character, Fred Elliott, was killed off 12 years later, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to wed Bev Unwin (played by Susie Blake). At the time, it was said that Savident decided to quit to spend more time with his family in Hertfordshire, though he later shared that he was game to continue on, with a lighter workload.

“I did think they might find some way to accommodate me,” Savident told The People (via Digital Spy). “Quite honestly I was surprised and disappointed that they didn’t try a bit harder.”

Savident had also claimed that lead studio Granada Television had cut back on assorted cast bonuses and stipends.

Iain MacLeod, ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama, said in a statement: “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.”

Savident — whose six decades’ worth of TV credits included Tightrope, Crown Court, Jane, Mike & Angelo and, most recently, a 2021 episode of Holby City — is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson, two sons and several grandchildren.

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