Tony Warren. Photo / Getty Images
Coronation Street creator Tony Warren MBE has passed away at the age of 79.
The news was announced on the Twitter page of the ITV soap on Wednesday morning, along with a picture of him.
The post read: 'It's with great sadness that Coronation Street confirms legendary creator & writer Tony Warren,MBE has passed away.'
The writer is said to have passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving friends after a short illness.
He was considered one of the television industry's greatest minds as he devised the idea for the Weatherfield soap at the age of 24 at the very beginning of his acclaimed writing career.
The legendary writer came up with the idea for Coronation Street at the age of 24 and the first episode of the show aired on 9th December 1960.
The show progressed from two to five weekly episodes and is also screened in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Queen herself is said to be a huge fan of the show.
John Whiston, Creative Director, Soaps for ITV Studios paid a moving tribute to Tony:
'Amid the many and much deserved tributes to Tony Warren, surely there can be no greater tribute than that the show he created 56 years ago is still the number one show on British TV.
'Tony infused Coronation Street with his own spirit, one that was at the same time dramatic and credible, exciting and grounded, funny and humane.
'It is Tony's spirit that has kept the show fresh and relevant all these years and will do for years to come. All who are lucky enough to work on the show owe Tony a huge amount of gratitude.
'As do all the millions who tune into Coronation Street week after week.'
Upset fans have called it 'disturbing' and 'demonic'. One says: 'She’s ruined Christmas'.