Actor Johnny Briggs, best known for playing Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street for 30 years, has died aged 85.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.
“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. Thank you”.
Coronation Street tributes
Johnny’s colleagues from Coronation Street were quick to pay tribute to the star.
William Roache - who has starred in the soap since its very first episode in 1960 - said: "So sorry to hear about Johnny.
"Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow were arch enemies for many years, but as an actor, Johnny was impeccable, always good, and I was so fortunate to have worked with him for so many years. He was a strong character who will be greatly missed."
Sue Nicholls who continues to play Audrey Roberts, said: "I have been watching classic Coronation Street recently and it has brought home to me what a truly great actor he was.
"He played the part of Mike Baldwin so well that, despite all Mike's ducking and diving, you were always on his side. Although he left the show 15 years ago he will always be part of the Street and its history."
John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV said in a statement: "The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs. For years Johnny was right at the centre of the show, playing the part of Mike Baldwin and 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. And it was that charisma which made him irresistible to the women of Coronation Street, and to viewers. He truly was one of the most iconic characters the Street has ever known. We wish Johnny's family all our condolences".
Discover more about Johnny below
Johnny Briggs' early life
Johnny was born on 5 September 1935 in Battersea. He was evacuated to the countryside during World War II. At the age of 12, he went on to embark on a career in show business in London when he won a scholarship to train at Italia Conti Academy stage school.
Johnny took a break from acting for two years of service in Germany with the Royal Tank Regiment. However, he later resumed his acting career landing roles in several Carry On films, Tommy Steele, Norman Wisdom and ITV police drama No Hiding Place.
Johnny Briggs in Coronation Street
In 1976, Johnny took on the role of businessman Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street.
Johnny enjoyed many great storylines in the soap including a well-known love triangle Ken and Deirdre Barlow.
His portrayal of the underwear factory boss was hugely popular and won him both an MBE and a lifetime achievement award at the 2006 British Soap Awards.
During the Coronation Street's 50th anniversary in 2010, Johnny said: "The true strength of the Street is that there isn't a star. The star of the show is the Rovers. People come and go and the show still carries on."
After three decades and a whopping 2,349 episodes, Johnny's final storyline as Mike in 2006 saw him die after suffering a heart attack.
Johnny made one further appearance in Corrie though, coming back to the show for a 2012 charity special as Mike's ghost back from the dead.
Johnny Briggs' personal life
Johnny married his first wife Caroline Sinclair in 1961 and they had two children together before divorcing in 1975.
In the same year, he went on marry Christine Allsop, a schoolteacher. They went on to have four children together.
Johnny Briggs' children
Johnny has six children in total, three adult sons: Anthony, Michael and Mark and three adult daughters: Karen, Jennifer and Stephanie.
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