Corrie's Johnny Briggs' life - tragic death, Mike Baldwin role and ITV 'haunting'

dailystar.co.uk:

Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs died on 28 February 2021 following a long term illness.The TV icon passed away at the age of 85 exactly one year ago today.

Johnny lived a flamboyant life in the limelight, spending most of his days working on one of the UK's most popular soap operas.

Playing the role of the illusive Mike Baldwin took his fame soaring to new heights.In celebration of one of Corrie's most iconic actors, Daily Star is remembering Johnny Briggs and exploring his life - from reports that he 'haunts' the Coronation Street cobbles to his incredible career.The budding actor-to-be was born on September 5, 1935 in Battersea, London.Growing up was far from easy for Johnny after he was separated from his mother in the second world war as an evacuee.

At the age of 12, Johnny joined the church choir where he became a soprano, his spectacular singing range earned in scholarship to London's prestigious Italia Conti stage school.One of Johnny's biggest claims to fame was working alongside Audrey Hepburn in the West End when he was just 15.He married Caroline Sinclair in 1961 but after 14 years together they parted ways.Just two years later, Johnny married for a second time, tying the knot with Christine Allsop - his second wife.As Johnny's final curtain was drawn on Coronation Street so was his marriage to Christine - with the pair divorcing in 2006.He has six children in total: three daughters Karen, Jennifer and Stefanie and three sons Anthony, Michael and Mark.Johnny played the role of deceptive Mike Baldwin - businessman and wheeler and dealer.