Fred Elliot actor John Savident’s heartbreak over ITV Coronation Street exit after 12 years

Coronation Street Fred Elliot actor John Savident was heartbroken when he left the ITV soap after 12 years as he hoped show bosses would change their mind on the decision

John Savident shared his heartbreak over his time as Fred Elliot in Coronation Street coming to an end.

The actor was reluctant to leave the ITV soap after starring as Fred from 1994 until his departure in 2006. His death was announced on Friday aged 86 as a statement from his agent 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.”

John decided to step away from the soap in 2006 to spend more time with his family in Hertfordshire. However, he later revealed he would have wanted to stick with the role if he was given a lighter workload. He admitted: “I did think they might find some way to accommodate me.”

“Quite honestly I was surprised and disappointed that they didn’t try a bit harder,” he added to The People. “I told them a year in advance that I was going and then they took me out for dinner and said, ‘We’re not going to insult you, John, by trying to make you stay’. And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Please, go on, insult me’.”

John became a fan-favourite on Corrie with his storylines involving his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals. A secret son, Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), also arrived on the show and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together.

Despite leaving, John did make an unexpected return in 2020 leaving some viewers “baffled”. haron Geary could be heard calling Adam Barlow, Fred Elliot, while talking to Gary Windass. She said: “Fred Elliot has been here batting his eyelashes at Laura.” A puzzled Gary asked: “Fred Elliot?” She responded: “Good looking bloke in the suit, hair. Scottish.” “You mean Adam Barlow,” he corrected.