Coronation Street cast in mourning as ‘charming’ legend of the soap dies aged 86
CORONATION Street cast and crew members are grieving the loss of a show legend.
Writer John Stevenson, the man behind some of the show’s most memorable storylines, has died aged 86.
The prolific talent worked on the show for 40 years contributing to some 447 episodes, the final one of which aired in 2006.
Among his finest work was Mike Baldwin’s heartbreaking battle with dementia and the iconic two-hander episode featuring Raquel (Sarah Lancashire) and Curly Watts (Kevin Kennedy).
Coronation Street legend Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt in the soap, confirmed John’s passing in a tribute uploaded on his social media earlier today.
He described John as the “talismanic writer of many an episode of the halcyon years of Coronation Street.”
Sean praised him for always keeping one eye on the “comedic charms of northern life”.
He continued: “From a little knowing wink to a rip-roaring belly laugh, John was a craftsman of TV humour.
“His like will never be seen again in TV it seems. He always had kind words for me throughout my tenure there and wrote some of my favourite episodes ever.
“Rest well John with a wry smile of contentment x.”
Former star Sherrie Hewson, who played Maureen Holdsworth, commented: “So very sad xxx.”
Janet Johnson said: “What lovely words Sean. He was indeed a wonderful writer, his scripts were always a joy to read.”
John was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at 2005’s British Soap Awards.
During his career, he also penned a string of other popular TV shows including Heartbeat, The Grimleys and The Brothers McGregor from which two characters, Wesley and Cyril McGregor, crossed over onto the cobbles in 1982.