‘Coronation Street’ creator Tony Warren has died.
Stars of the soap have been left devastated after the 79-year-old writer, who created the long-running show in 1960, passed away.
A tweet on the show’s official Twitter account read: "It’s with great sadness that Coronation Street confirms legendary creator & writer Tony Warren,MBE has passed away. (sic)"
Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap’s first episode in 1960, led tributes to Tony.
He said: "When I first met Tony I couldn’t quite believe he’d created and written Coronation Street because he was no more than a young boy. It was his boyish energy even recently when I saw him again that I’ll remember.
"I loved Tony’s energy. He was the father of Coronation Street and he gave us all so much. He will be so desperately missed because of who he was and what he did. We owe him so much."
Helen Worth, who has portrayed Gail McIntyre since 1974, added: "Tony was a genius of our time, the dearest funniest and most inspirational man of his generation. He brought real life into our homes for us all to relate to and enjoy. He will of course live on forever through Coronation Street."
Jane Danson – who plays Leanne Tilsley in the show – tweeted: "so so sad to hear this news – tony was a kind man and inspired many – weatherfield has a broken heart right now xx (sic)"
Coronation Street creator Tony Warren dies
