TRIBUTES AS CORRIE’S JOHNNY BRIGGS DIES
TA-RA CHUCK... CORRIE STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO MIKE BALDWIN ACTOR JOHNNY BRIGGS AS HE DIES AT 85
CORONATION STREET stars have paid tribute to soap legend Johnny Briggs, who died yesterday aged 85.
The actor, who played lothario factory boss Mike Baldwin, passed away at home surrounded by his family following a long illness, a statement said.
Described as ‘one of the most iconic character’s the Street has ever known’, Briggs starred on the show for 30 years.
He is best remembered for an early 1980s storyline that saw Baldwin have a fling with Deidre Barlow – played by the late actress Anne Kirkbride.
The plot line gripped the nation, until Deidre decided to stay with husband Ken Barlow – played by William Roache.
And more than 12million tuned in in 2006, to watch his character die in the arms of screen nemesis Barlow. In his final scene, underwear firm boss Baldwin suffered a fatal heart attack, having battled a form of Alzheimer’s,
Briggs, who was in the soap from 1976 to 2006, led a fundraising drive for the Alzheimer’s Society after leaving the ITV show.
Co-star Roache, 88, said: ‘Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow were arch enemies for many years, but as an actor Johnny was impeccable. I was so fortunate to have worked with him.
‘I send my love to Johnny on his journey and to all those who are bound to miss him. He was an iconic Coronation Street character. Love you Johnny.’
Antony Cotton, who plays machinist Sean Tully in the soap, tweeted: ‘Johnny Briggs was a complex character, on and off screen, and we all adored him. Feel lucky I got the chance to work with him in the factory. I am, and will always be, a Baldwin’s Casual.
‘Night Mr Baldwin, I’ve left you a bottle of Scotch in the filing cabinet.’
Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts, dubbed her late co-star ‘a truly great actor’.
‘He played the part so well that, despite all Mike’s ducking and d diving, you were always on his side,’ ’ she said. ‘Although he left the show 15 5 years ago he will always be part of the e Street and its history.’
And show stalwart Helen Worth, who o plays Gail Platt, added: ‘I have many y happy memories of working with h Johnny. Mike Baldwin was one of the e Street’s most memorable characters.’
John Whiston, managing director of f continuing drama and head of ITV in n the north, said: ‘For years, Johnny was right at the centre of the show... bringing to the role huge energy, dynamism, professionalism and credibility.
‘When Mike Baldwin was in a scene it was very hard to look at anyone else.
‘It was that charisma which made him irresistible to the women of Coronation Street, and to viewers.
‘The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs. He truly was one of the most iconic characters the Street has ever known. We wish Johnny’s family all our condolences.’
A statement from the actor’s family read: ‘We politely ask for privacy at this time, so we can quietly grieve and remember the wonderful times we had with him.’
London-born Briggs began acting at age 12 and appeared in films alongside the likes of Norman Wisdom, Dirk Bogarde and Tommy Steele. The father-of-six was made an MBE in 2006.