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Actor Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street, has died aged 85.
His family said in a statement that he passed away peacefully following a long illness.
The statement read: "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."
The dad-of-six was best known for his role in Corrie, playing Baldwin for 30 years and appearing in 2,349 episodes.
He received a lifetime achievement award at the 2006 British Soap Awards and was awarded an MBE the following year.
Tributes to Briggs are flooding in on social media:
RIP Johnny Briggs, 85.
Coronation Street legend who played rogueish Mike Baldwin for 30yrs. Great character on & off screen. pic.twitter.com/klr8CTLUa9
- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 28, 2021
I haven't watched #coronationstreet for years, but I did when Mike Baldwin ruled the street. Classic back then. RIP Johnny Briggs, a Coronation Street legend! pic.twitter.com/1Wz0hU7MPc
- David P Perlmutter - ✍ :star::heart: (@davepperlmutter) February 28, 2021
Sad to hear of Johnny Briggs' passing. He was great fun & a real character. Good banter when Bill #WilliamRoache & I caught up w his 'love rival' at the golf Classic Rusholme a few yrs ago. Rest in peace dear chum #JohnnyBriggs God bless, you entertained millions, it was a gift x https://t.co/eOuXeTHW4o pic.twitter.com/SD5KZIdpN4
- Emma Jesson (@EmmaJessonTV) February 28, 2021
RIP @ITVCorrie #Corrie legend Johnny Briggs, such sad news and thoughts with his loved ones at this sad time.
Johnny was an amazing Actor and Mike Baldwin was an iconic, popular, complex, entertaining character.
The Deirdre/Ken/Mike SL will never be forgotten.
- Faizal Perager (@man18united) February 28, 2021
Johnny Briggs was an underrated film star. He performed alongside a young Joan Collins in London film noir Cosh Boy, popped up in Ealing comedies, was directed by David Lean, featured in cult queer classic The Leather Boys; always with trademark Battersea wide-boy charm. #RIP pic.twitter.com/h3Evz5AIwz
- Olivia Armstrong (@oliviasstories) February 28, 2021
RIP to one of the great soap actors Jonny Briggs, aka #MikeBaldwin. Condolences to his family. #Corrie
- Darren Normington (@DarrenNormingt1) February 28, 2021
Rip Johnny Briggs, he played Mike Baldwin in @itvcorrie he was 85... absolute legend of the street. Legend is used so much easily nowadays but he really was a legend in the soap.. the Ken, derdrie and Mike affair was just one of them storylines. #Corrie @itvcorrie pic.twitter.com/Lg2sG7roeN
- MIKE :blue_heart: (@mikepriestley13) February 28, 2021
RIP Johnny.
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