Johnny Briggs, best known for playing Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street for almost 30 years, has died at the age of 85.
The actor first appeared as the ruthless businessman 1976 and went on to become one of the soap's biggest characters - and in the early '80s, the love triangle plot between Mike, Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and Ken (Bill Roache) was a huge national talking point, bringing in over 20 million viewers.
When Briggs decided to quit Corrie in 2006, Mike was written out in a plotline that saw him die in the arms of Ken following a battle with Alzheimer's.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Briggs's 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."
Briggs is survived by his six children.
Neil Wilkes
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