This Morning honoured Coronation Street legend Philip Lowrie’s memory on Wednesday’s show, after his tragic death.
During their discussion with Sharon Marshall about the latest soap news, hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley allowed her to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.
Sharon began by saying: “I wanted to start with a little tribute, if I may, to Phillip Lowrie. I was so privileged to meet and interview him a couple of times over the years.”
As the original bad boy of Coronation Street, Phillip made his mark as Dennis Tanner from 1960 to 1968. To the delight of fans, he reprised the role from 2011 to 2014.
Phillip was an integral part of the soap’s history, featuring in its very first episode, reports Wales Online.
Sadly, his publicist, Mario Renzullo, confirmed his death on Saturday, stating: “My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88,” Mr Renzullo wrote in a statement.
“His death marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling.”
In remembrance of the actor, Sharon disclosed that his legacy has left an indelible mark on the set of Coronation Street.
She continued: “I know he was really pleased about this, his name is forever in that set. Etched outside her (Elsie Tanner) window, you can see this if you go on the Coronation Street tour, etched outside her house, which I think Eileen lives there now, it still says Dennis Tanner. Where he’s supposed to have etched into it as a kid.”
When an image of it was displayed on-screen, the two This Morning stars were visibly moved, describing the nod to his character as incredibly special.
Sharon elaborated: “That actually pre-dated the programme even setting up! It was said he was supposed to have done it as a little boy.
“What I love is Pat Phoenix, her very last scene; you can see it when she goes; the last thing she does is look at that graffiti on the set.
“It’s always there. A lovely man and a wonderful character, a real heart for Corrie history there.”
Both This Morning and Coronation Street are available to watch on ITVX.
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