Coronation Street creator and writer Tony Warren has died aged 79, following a short illness.
The news was confirmed this morning by Coronation Street’s official Twitter account in a message addressing fans:
It’s with great sadness that Coronation Street confirms legendary creator & writer Tony Warren,MBE has passed away. pic.twitter.com/WhwInLMVaL
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) March 2, 2016
Warren’s idea for the Weatherfield soap started at the age of 24, when he first began writing.
A regular visitor to the soap’s set in Manchester, the creator was well-loved by the cast and crew.
Paying tribute to the show’s creator, one of the longest-running cast members William Roache added:
“Tony was the father of Coronation Street and he gave us all so much.” – William Roachehttps://t.co/pjdgBVYO7B pic.twitter.com/lZPCS6fnin
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) March 2, 2016
Other stars from the soap and fans of the show also paid tribute to Warren, tweeting:
With heavy heart & great sadness I can confirm that our pal Tony Warren has died. He leaves the greatest legacy. I’ll miss him so much
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) March 2, 2016
Without Tony, there would’ve been no Our Friends In The North, GBH, Queer As Folk or Happy Valley. He carved out the landscape for them all
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) March 2, 2016
With such sadness today we say goodbye to the great Tony Warren. An amazing man, a true legend. We owe him so much. He will be sadly missed
— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) March 2, 2016
So very sad to hear Tony Warren has died. He has written so many wonderful scripts for Coronation Street over the last 50+ years. A sad day!
— LeonAndJune (@LeonAndJune) March 2, 2016
Ena, Elsie, Rita, Deirdre, Raquel, Tracey, Hilda, Bet, Betty, Liz, Sally, Gail, Hayley – it ALL started wIth Tony Warren. #coronationstreet
— Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) March 2, 2016
Just heard about Tony Warren. Very sad news. “Coronation Street” is a genuine British cultural institution.
— James VHS Gent ⚡ (@jamesgent76) March 2, 2016
RIP Tony Warren??
Thank you for creating my favourite thing❤️@itvcorrie— Jaz (@AliKing__) March 2, 2016
Thank you for creating @itvcorrie Tony Warren, for giving me something to watch with my family growing up every night. RIP.
— CC. (@DreamyCaitlin) March 2, 2016
RIP Tony Warren. Hard to overestimate his importance in the development of television in this country. Cracking writer.
— John Williams (@WorldofTelly) March 2, 2016
Lead Image: ITV Twitter
