Coronation Street creator Tony Warren dies at 79

Coronation street creator Tony Warren has passed away today at the age of 79.

Bosses over at the longest-running UK soap confirmed his death on their Twitter account today, shortly after they first announced the news to the cast and crew on set.

It's with great sadness that Coronation Street confirms legendary creator & writer Tony Warren,MBE has passed away. pic.twitter.com/WhwInLMVaL

— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) March 2, 2016

The acclaimed writer passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving friends after a short illness.

In a statement, ITV said: "All who worked with Tony throughout his illustrious career had the utmost respect for his achievements and he remained a consultant on the Manchester based soap until the day he died.

"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."

"Tony was the father of Coronation Street and he gave us all so much." - William Roachehttps://t.co/pjdgBVYO7B pic.twitter.com/lZPCS6fnin

— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) March 2, 2016

Tony is survived by his cousin Roy, his devoted family and friends at Coronation Street.

Tony remained as a consultant on the show right up until he died.

Friends, colleagues and fans of the show have since taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the writer:

Without Tony Warren we wouldn't have Coronation Street or any soap opera in fact, such a talented man who will be sorely missed #Corrie

— katie (@alikingisqueen) March 2, 2016

Tony Warren was the original Godfather of UK Soap. My thoughts are with his family and all at Corrie. #RIP

— Adam Woodyatt (@AdamWoodyatt) March 2, 2016

The first man of British soap opera has left us and the world is a poorer place for it. RIP Tony Warren.

— DomTreadwellCollins (@dominictc) March 2, 2016

The most famous TV credit in the world "based on an idea by Tony Warren" https://t.co/9Si1aCjU5Q

— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) March 2, 2016

With such sadness today we say goodbye to the great Tony Warren. An amazing man, a true legend. We owe him so much. He will be sadly missed

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) March 2, 2016

With heavy heart & great sadness I can confirm that our pal Tony Warren has died. He leaves the greatest legacy. I'll miss him so much

— Antony Cotton MBE (@antonycotton) March 2, 2016