Sue Nicholls’ tribute to John Savident

Sue Nicholls has paid tribute to her former ‘Coronation Street’ co-star John Savident, following his death at the age of 86.

The actor was best known for having starred as butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap in the 1990s and early 2000s and passed away on Wednesday (21.02.24).

Sue, 80- who played his close friend Audrey Roberts – said: “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.”

Sue’s alter-ego Audrey memorably declared her love for Fred on the day of his wedding to Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).

Viewers were shocked to see Fred then suffer a massive stroke and die before making it to the altar.

Following John’s death, ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama Iain MacLeod 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.”

John is survived by his wife Rona – whom he had been married to since 1961 – as well as their two children and several grandchildren.

John made a number of appearances on television and in film throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with roles in classics such as ‘A Clockwork Orange’ as well as ‘Yes Minister’ and even created the role of Monsieur Firmin in the original production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in 1986.

But in 1994, he was cast as Fred Elliott in ‘Coronation Street’ when he was in his fifties and quickly became a household name.

Perhaps Fred’s most famous storylines saw him secretly reveal to fellow Street legend Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) that he was the secret father of Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) after years of passing himself off as his uncle and in 2004 he fell out with friend Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) when it was revealed that he had been having an affair with his wife.

During his time on the show, John’s character – who became known for his catchphrase “I say, I say…” – was married to Maureen Holdsworth (Sherrie Hewson) but she left him after just a week after the wedding and he later tied the knot with barmaid Eve Sykes (Melanie Kilburn), although it later came out that she had never divorced her first husband.