ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE is mourning the loss of one of its most familiar faces following the death of actor John Savident.
Familiar to millions as butcher Fred Elliott in TV soap Coronation Street, the man behind the much-loved character – and his ‘I say’ catchphrase – passed away at the age of 86.
Savident, who was born on Guernsey, moved to Ashton when he was three-years-old, while the Channel Island was under German occupation.
He also went to Ashton-under-Lyne Grammar school, now known as Ashton Sixth Form College on Darnton Road, and is said to have been prominent in its amateur theatre group.
He started his career as a policeman and during six years of service was stabbed in the arm as he tried to break up a gang fight.
After starting in amateur productions, he changed careers after a producer overheard him talking in a pub and offered him a part as Robin Hood in a London panto.
On stage, he was a member of the original 1986 cast of Phantom of the Opera, playing Monsieur Firmin.
On TV, he appeared in Blake’s 7, Yes, Minister, The Saint and Doctor Who. He also appeared in classic films A Clockwork Orange and Gandhi.
But it was as Fred Elliott he became most well-known after joining Coronation Street in 1994.
His 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.
After 12 years, Fred was killed off, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin.
Coronation Street co-star Sue Nicholls, who played love interest Audrey Roberts, said she was ‘very sad’ to hear of his death.
“My memories of working with you dear John on the street are a joy, and always will be,” she said.
“God bless you and thank you for being in my life. Much love to you and your friends and family.”
Iain MacLeod, ITV’s executive producer for continuing drama, 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.”
Savident was married to theatre director Rona Hopkinson and they had two children, daughter Romany and son Daniel.
A statement from his agent announcing his death said: “He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
I started at Ashton-under-Lyne Grammar School in 1952 and shortly afterwards went to a theatrical production one evening at the school – I can’t remember anything about it except that one of the actors was truly exceptional – so much so that I took the trouble to look up his name in the programme. It was John Savident. It is no surprise to me to see what a successful career he had and his passing is very sad.