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Coronation Street: Mike Baldwin actor Johnny Briggs dies aged 85

Coronation Street Mike Baldwin actor Johnny Briggs dies aged 85
Briggs, who played Baldwin for 30 years, died at home after a long illness.

Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs, who played underwear factory boss Mike Baldwin, has died, aged 85.

Briggs died at home after a long illness, his family said, without revealing what the illness was.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs,” they said in a statement.

Coronation Street: Mike Baldwin actor Johnny Briggs has died.

Coronation street/Facebook

Coronation Street: Mike Baldwin actor Johnny Briggs has died.

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“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.”

Briggs was on screen for 30 years as Mike Baldwin, playing the role from 1976 to 2006.

Appearing in 2349 episodes of the soap, Briggs’ character was best known for his on-screen rivalry with Bill Roche’s Ken Barlow. The duo famously fought on screen when Ken found out Mike had been having an affair with then wife Deirdre Barlow.

The love triangle storyline was one of the show’s most famous, and ran for years.

Eventually Briggs’ Baldwin was killed off, after suffering with Alzheimer's for months. He collapsed in the street after a heart attack, dying in the arms of Ken.

“The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs,” ITV's head of continuing drama John Whiston said in a statement.

“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.”

Stars from the show also paid tribute to Baldwin.

Briggs won the British Soap Award for Lifetime Achievement in May 2006 and was made an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours in December 2006.

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