Coronation Street legend Johnny Briggs - who played Mike Baldwin - has died.
The 85-year-old starred in the soap for three decades before retiring in 2006.
His character was involved in a host of major plotlines during the incredible 2,349 episodes he featured in.
Johnny died surrounded by his family after a long-running illness.
In a statement released by his loved ones this morning, they 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.”
Johnny helped pull in 21 million viewers in the 1980s when womanising factory owner Mike had an affair with Deirdre Barlow, played by the late Anne Kirkbride.
He famously clashed with Bill Roache's character Ken Barlow over the affair.
Having joined the soap in 1976, Johnny retired with the death of his popular character 30 years later.
The onscreen death saw Mike collapse in the street after a heart attack following a battle with Alzheimer's disease, dying in the arms of Ken.
The year after his retirement, Johnny was made an MBE, collecting his medal at Buckingham Palace from the Queen.
In his personal life, Johnny was married twice.
He was wed to first wife Caroline Sinclair from 1961 to 1975 and Christine Allsop from 1977 to 2006.
