Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs, who was famous for his role as Mike Baldwin in the popular soap, has died aged 85.
A statement from his family said he passed away after a long illness.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs,” the statement said.
“He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85.
“We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him.”
Briggs made his Corrie debut as Mike Baldwin in 1976 and remained on the Cobbles until 2006, playing the role of an underwear factory boss.
He left the soap with his cockney character apparently suffering from a form of Alzheimer’s.
The London-born actor also appeared on stage and in films, alongside the likes of Norman Wisdom, Dirk Bogarde and Tommy Steele.
Briggs was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in December 2006.
Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved star with many of his former Coronation Street co-stars paying their respects.
The official Coronation Street Twitter account posted: “The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs.
“In the role of Mike Baldwin, he truly was one of the most iconic characters The Street has ever known. We wish Johnny’s family all our condolences.”
The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs.
In the role of Mike Baldwin, he truly was one of the most iconic characters The Street has ever known.
We wish Johnny's family all our condolences. pic.twitter.com/6aYuEaEXse
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) February 28, 2021
