Former Coronation Street star Steven Arnold has paid an emotional tribute to his on-screen father John Savident following the actor's death at the age of 86. Arnold, best known for portraying butcher Ashley Peacock on the ITV soap from 1995 to 2010, described Savident as "like a father to me" and credited him with teaching him how to act on set.
Savident's Death Announced in 2024
John Savident, who played the iconic Fred Elliott on Coronation Street, died on 21 February 2024. His agent confirmed the news, stating: "We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February, he was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him." Savident had left the soap in 2006, when his character died of a stroke, to spend more time with his family in Hertfordshire.
Arnold's Fondest Memories
In a new interview with Betway, Arnold was asked about his fondest memory of working on the cobbles. He replied: "Working with John, who played my dad, Fred Elliott. He had such a wealth of experience. Even now when I go into colleges to teach acting, I can hear his words coming through my mouth. He taught me how to act on set, how to give passion to a character. I miss him so much. He was like a father to me."
Arnold continued: "I can't even begin to explain how much that man taught me. There was not a specific day or moment that stands out to me. Every day with him was special."
Favourite On-Screen Partners
Arnold also confirmed that Savident's character Fred was his favourite on-screen partner. He added: "As I said, I miss him every day. I also loved working with Tracy Shaw, who played Maxine Peacock, and Julia Haworth, who played Claire Peacock. I got on great with everyone. It's been 16 years since I left so I don't talk to everyone as often as I'd like. Life moves on and gets busy. But Julia, who played my wife Claire, comes to see me on stage every year and brings the kids. I've had members of the Corrie crew come and see me too. It's lovely to still get that support."
Ashley Peacock was killed off in Coronation Street's famous tram crash in 2010, a storyline that marked Arnold's departure from the show after 15 years.
