Coronation Street star John Savident, who is known for playing Fred Elliott on the ITV show, has died at the age of 86.

He was well-known for his booming voice and for his many years acting on the cobbles.

A representative for the actor told PA News Agency that the star had died on Wednesday (February 21) and that he was a "much-loved husband and father of two."

He said: “We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February, he was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

In 1994, John Savident arrived on the cobbles and quickly became a fan favourite.

He was involved in a number of storylines involving his disastrous love life which included three marriages and several failed proposals.

His character also had a secret son called Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) who also became a fixture on the show, developing a close bond with his father as they worked as butchers.

Savident’s character was killed off in 2006, suffering a stroke on the day he was supposed to marry Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).