‘Coronation Street’ stars and several soap actors have paid tribute to the show’s creator Tony Warren following his passing.
The 79-year-old writer conceived the idea for the world’s longest-running TV soap in 1960 and hordes of actors have heaped praise on him and thanked the scriptwriter for all his work on the programme.
Sally Dynevor – who has portrayed busybody character Sally Webster since 1986 – tweeted: "R.I.P Tony Warren. Very much loved. Changed television forever. Thank you #Corrieforever (sic)"
Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap’s first episode in 1960, 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."
It’s not just ‘Corrie’ stars who have paid tribute to Tony’s work. Other current and former soap actors also lavished praise on the late star, including ‘EastEnders’ actor Adam Woodyatt and his former co-star Martin Kemp, who both branded Tony the "godfather of soap".
Adam – who has played Ian Beale in the BBC One show since its inception in February 1985 – wrote: "Tony Warren was the original Godfather of UK Soap. My thoughts are with his family and all at Corrie. #RIP (sic)"
Martin Kemp – who portrayed Steve Owen in ‘EastEnders’ – tweeted: "RIP Tony Warren ‘The Godfather of Soap’ thoughts with your many friends and family! (sic)"
‘Coronation Street’ could’ve been a hit for the BBC but Tony never received a reply from producer Barney Colehan about his script.
Granada Television producer Harry Elton eventually commissioned a handful of pilot episodes and the show has been running ever since.
Other ‘Corrie’ stars who paid tribute to Tony include Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor.
She wrote: "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 (sic)"
Samia Ghadie (Maria Connor) tweeted: "So saddened to hear that Tony Warren has died. He was the truly wonderful man who gave us @itvcorrie .. #RipTony we will never forget you (sic)"
Les Dennis (Michael Rodwell) wrote: "So sad to hear about Tony Warren. A true Television Pioneer. Proud to have known him. The @itvcorrie cobbles a lonelier place without him. (sic)"
Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) posted: "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 (sic)"
Jane Danson – who portrays Leanne Tilsley – tweeted: "So sad to hear this R.i.p tony and thank you xxx (sic)"
