The whole world is in shock. The legendary actor passed away
John Savident, the beloved actor best known for his role as Fred Elliott on the iconic ITV soap “Coronation Street,” has passed away at the age of 86. His agent confirmed the news, stating, “We are sad to say that actor John Savident has died. He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Savident joined “Coronation Street” in 1994, portraying a cobbler who quickly became one of the show’s most memorable characters. Known for his booming voice and catchphrase, “I say,” Fred Elliott became a fan favorite, bringing both humor and depth to the series. One grieving fan echoed his famous line in tribute: “May he rest in peace, I say may he rest in peace.”
The team behind “Coronation Street” also paid tribute to Savident, sharing their sorrow on social media. “Everyone at Coronation Street is very sad to hear about the death of John Savident. As Fred Elliott, John solidified his place among the greats of Coronation Street. His perfect comedic timing and deep emotional depth made Fred an unforgettable, iconic character that brought a lot of joy to viewers for many years.”
John Savident’s final television appearance came in 2012, when he guest-starred on the BBC medical drama “Holby City,” playing Rupert Popal, an elderly man who suffered an injury in a car accident. This role was his last on-screen performance, as he had left “Coronation Street” in 2006 to spend more time with his family.
Savident had hoped to find a compromise with the show’s producers to allow him some flexibility in his role, but was surprised when they opted to write him out of the series instead. Reflecting on his departure, he shared, “I did think they might be able to find a way to work with me. I was honestly shocked and let down that they didn’t put in a little more effort. If they had made things easier for me by letting Fred give up either The Rovers or the butcher shop, I probably would have stayed, but they never gave me that choice. So I just served out my notice.”
Fans of “Coronation Street” took to social media to express their sadness over Savident’s passing. One person wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Sorry to hear, I say sorry to hear Fred was a legendary, funny character. RIP.” Another fan added, “God bless you, John Savident. One of the best characters in Corrie, a true classic that will never be forgotten, and a wonderful actor.” The sentiment was widely shared, with another comment reading, “Saddened to hear of the death of John Savident, who played Fred Elliott, Corrie’s strange butcher. I think Fred was the most classic #Corrie character, and people will remember him for years to come. John, rest in peace.”
Savident’s portrayal of Fred Elliott left an indelible mark on British television, and he will be remembered fondly by viewers for years to come.