Johnny Briggs Honoured In Tributes From Coronation Street Co-Stars: 'We All Adored Him'

Antony Cotton, Helen Worth and Sally Dynevor were among those who remembered working with the Mike Baldwin actor.
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Tributes have been paid to former Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs, following his death at the age of 85.

The star was remembered by former co-stars, fellow actors and celebrity fans after his family confirmed he had died on Sunday morning.

Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton was among the first of the ITV soap’s cast to paid tribute to Johnny online.

Johnny Briggs was remembered by his former Coronation Street co-stars
Johnny Briggs was remembered by his former Coronation Street co-stars
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Remembering the Mike Baldwin actor, Antony – who plays Sean Tully – tweeted: “Johnny Briggs was a complex character, on and off screen, and we all adored him. Feel lucky that I got the chance to work with him in the factory. I am, and will always be, a Baldwin’s Casual.

“Night night Mr Baldwin, I’ve left you a bottle of Scotch in the filing cabinet...”

Johnny Briggs was a complex character, on and off screen, and we all adored him. Feel lucky that I got the chance to work with him in the factory. I am, and will always be, a Baldwin’s Casual. Night night Mr Baldwin, I’ve left you a bottle of Scotch in the filing cabinet... pic.twitter.com/eyo7e9Km9r

— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) February 28, 2021

Samia Longchambon, who appears as Maria Connor, wrote: “Rest In Peace Johnny Briggs. Really sorry to hear the sad news. I have fond memories of working with Johnny, he was such a lovely man.”

#RestInPeace Johnny Briggs. Really sorry to hear the sad news. I have fond memories of working with Johnny, he was such a lovely man ♥️🙏

— Samia Longchambon (@realsamia) February 28, 2021

Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, said: “I am very sorry to hear the sad news.

“I have many happy memories of working together with Johnny. He was one of the street’s most memorable characters.”

Corrie colleague Sally Dynevor tweeted: “RIP Johnny Briggs. What a wonderful actor he was. Lots of happy memories.”

Leanne Battersby actor Jane Danson added: “So sorry to hear johnny Briggs has passed away. We did lots of sc’s together. I remember he took the battersby’s out for lunch on our first week filming - happy memories [sic].”

RIP Johnny Briggs.
What a wonderful actor he was. Lots of happy memories #JohnnyBriggs

— Sally Dynevor (@sallydynevor) February 28, 2021

So sorry to hear johnny Briggs has passed away. We did lots of sc’s together. I remember he tookthe battersby’s out for lunch on our first week filming - happy memories @itvcorrie xxx

— Jane Danson (@RealJaneDanson) February 28, 2021

Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts, said: “Johnny Briggs was an a nice guy and absolutely fascinating when he told stories of his extensive film career, sleep well buddy.”

Johnny Briggs was an a nice guy and absolutely fascinating when he told stories of his extensive film career, sleep well buddy

— Kevin Kennedy (@mrkevkennedy) February 28, 2021

John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the north, paid tribute in a statement, which said: “The whole Coronation Street family is deeply saddened by the death of Johnny Briggs.

“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.”

Other stars including Piers Morgan paid tribute online...

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

More sad news. https://t.co/5a5gUos2sJ

— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) February 28, 2021

Johnny’s family confirmed news of his death in a statement on Sunday, which read: “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.”

Johnny played factory boss Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street from 1976 until 2006, when his character died in the arms of long-running rival Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache.

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