Coronation Street’s John Savident dies aged 86: Actor who played butcher Fred Elliott leaves behind wife and two children
Coronation Street star John Savident has died aged 86, it has been confirmed.
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott in the ITV soap.
A statement from his agent to the PA news agency said: ‘We are sad to announce the death of actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February. He was a much loved husband and father of two children and will be greatly missed by all. who knew him.’
In 1994, Savident arrived on the cobbles and quickly became a fan favorite.
His storylines revolved around his disastrous love life, which included three marriages and several failed proposals.
Coronation Street star John Savident has died aged 86, it has been confirmed
The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott in the ITV soap
The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson and their two children
A secret son, Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond while working together as butchers.
Savident’s character was killed off in 2006 and suffered a stroke on the day he was due to marry Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).
The actor is survived by his wife Rona Hopkinson and their two children.
In addition to his work in Coronation Street, Savident has appeared in several shows and has appeared in shows such as Holby City and The Bill.
He also had a small role in Stanley Kubrick’s classic A Clockwork Orange in 1971 as conspirator Dolin.
Savident also appeared in the 1995 adaptation of Othello with Laurence Fishburne as the title character.