MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 22: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Tony Warren, scriptwriter and creator of long running tv soap opera 'Cor
The man who launched Coronation Street into living rooms throughout the globe, has died aged 79.
Tony Warren MBE, passed away on Tuesday night, surrounded by friends and family, following a short illness.
The news was announced on the Twitter page of the ITV soap on Wednesday morning, alongside a photo.
Since then tributes have flown from past and present cast members.
Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap's first episode, recalled the legendary writer's "boyish" character.
"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.
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"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."
- Daily Mail
