Mike Baldwin – played by Johnny Briggs – was killed off 20 years ago this week on Coronation Street after a three-decade stint
It’s been 20 years since Mike Baldwin was killed off on Coronation Street – but what happened to actor Johnny Briggs?
Johnny joined the ITV soap in 1976 as Mike and he quickly became a firm favourite, going on to feature in 2,349 episodes, cementing himself as a central figure for three decades.
His character was involved in some major stories too, including a scandalous affair with Deirdre Barlow, portrayed by the late Anne Kirkbride. In 2006 though, Mike was killed off with his final scenes airing on April 7.
And several years later, Johnny also passed away. But what did he get up to following his cobbles exit? And how much did his bitter divorce from his second wife cost?
Johnny’s Coronation Street exit
In 2005 it was announced that Johnny was leaving Coronation Street, with his character Mike being killed off the following year following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
As Digital Spy reports, a spokesperson said: “His [Johnny] storyline has some way to run but he will be leaving in 2006 after completing 30 years in the show. It was his decision to retire.”
As well as wanting to retire, another reason for Johnny leaving was reportedly down to him wanting to spend more time with family amid the soap’s busy work schedule.
And on April 7, 2006, Johnny’s final scenes as Mike aired, which saw him die in the arms of love rival Ken Barlow (William Roache) in one of the most memorable moments in the soap’s history.
What did Johnny do after Coronation Street?
After leaving Coronation Street, Johnny received an MBE in 2007, accepting the honour from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
He also made a few guest appearances on TV. Johnny appeared in Marple and Holby City from 2007 to 2009, and the same year he starred on BBC soap Doctors.
Johnny’s final acting role was in a 2012 Text Santa Special of Coronation Street. In the special, Johnny appeared as Mike’s ghost.
Johnny’s death
On February 28 2021, father-of-six Johnny passed away surrounded by loved ones, following a prolonged illness.
At the time of his death, his family released a statement confirming the sad news, saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.
“He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85.”
As expected, tributes came pouring in for Johnny following the news of his passing. Roache said yesterday: ‘So sorry to hear about Johnny. Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow were arch enemies for many years, but as an actor, Johnny was impeccable, always good, and I was so fortunate to have worked with him for so many years.’
Johnny’s bitter divorce
In 2025, the Daily Express reported Johnny – who was one of the ITV soap’s highest-paid stars, earning £200,000 a year – had said he was virtually penniless before his death.
This was reportedly following a bitter divorce battle with his second wife Christine Allsop who he was married to from 1977 to 2006.
Christine is said to have ended things after she found out that Johnny was involved with a makeup assistant. As MailOnline reports, Christine said: “I know he always reads his fan mail, as he has such a huge ego – so I tucked a letter in a pile of it, telling him I wanted a divorce.” The divorce cost him a reported £1million.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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