Johnny Briggs was refused by a number of taxi drivers after an explosive Coronation Street storyline, according to co-star Amanda Barrie.
The late actor, who died on Sunday after a long illness aged 85, portrayed Mike Baldwin in the ITV soap and was a longstanding member of the cobbles.
During his tenure, Johnny married five times on the street, having relationships with Anne Woodley, Susan Barlow, Jackie Ingram, Alma Halliwell and Linda Sykes.
Alma actress Amanda spoke to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on today’s Good Morning Britain about how their on-screen break-up in 1999 left him blacklisted by cabbies.
‘Apparently, Amanda, he tried to get a cab once in London and the driver refused to take him because of your storyline,’ probed Susanna.
‘We did a storyline at Christmas where he dumped me and I did one of my miserable Christmasses without him and going off being unfaithful, apparently, he was so put out.
‘He went to London and he went to go and get in the cab, which was in the rank, and they said, “Sorry, love, we’re not taking you if you’re going to treat Alma like that”.
‘He went down three cabs, “No, we’re not taking you, Baldwin!”’
She added: ‘Johnny of all things was a very loveable schoolboy and I spent my life working with this rather naughty schoolboy with this enchanting smile.’
Johnny made his Corrie debut as Baldwin in 1976 and remained on the cobbles until 2006.
His character’s death, of a heart attack and having suffered from a form of Alzheimer’s, was watched by 12 million viewers.
A number of Coronation Street cast members have paid tribute to Johnny following the news of his death, including William Roache star Ken Barlow.
‘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,’ he said in a statement to the PA news agency.
‘He was a strong character who will be greatly missed.
‘I send my love to Johnny on his journey and to all those who are bound to miss him, he was an iconic Coronation Street character. Love you Johnny! X’
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