Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs who played Mike Baldwin dies aged 85

Johnny Briggs has died aged 85.

"Journalist Jeremy Vine, referenced one of Johnny's most iconic moments when he wrote: "#RIPJohnnyBriggs - this famous bust-up between his character Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow, over Dierdre, was watched live by 19 MILLION people".

Johnny Briggs pictured with Amanda Barrie.

Johnny joined the soap cast as Mike in 1976 and played him for 30 years, departing in 2006.

He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side.

The actor played the role on the Cobbles for decades.

They asked for privacy to grieve and "remember the wonderful times we had with him".

His final scenes depicted his character (who had been ill with Alzheimer's disease for several months) collapsing and dying in the arms of Ken Barlow in the street after suffering a heart attack.

He also starred in the 1974 film Au Pair Girls and the 2008 series Echo Beach, which also featured EastEnders' Martine McCutcheon.

Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan and Corrie actors Tracie Bennett, Antony Cotton and Samia Longchambon were among the celebrities paying tribute to Briggs on social media. His role as underwear factory boss Mike Baldwin was one of the soap's most famous.

Another wrote: "How sad..."

Johnny played the role of Mike Baldwin for 30 years, becoming a huge favourite across United Kingdom households for his portrayal of the lovable rogue. "What a character Mike was!"

'RIP Johnny Briggs, 85, ' he tweeted.

"I have been watching classic Coronation Street recently and it has brought home to me what a truly great actor he was".

"Coronation Street legend who played rogueish Mike Baldwin for 30yrs".

Were you a fan of Mike Baldwin in Corrie?