Coronation Street creator and writer Tony Warren has died aged 79, following a short illness. The news was confirmed this morning by Coronation Street’s official Twitter account in a message addressing fans:

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

Warren’s idea for the Weatherfield soap started at the age of 24, when he first began writing. A regular visitor to the soap’s set in Manchester, the creator was well-loved by the cast and crew. Paying tribute to the show’s creator, one of the longest-running cast members William Roache added:

"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

Other stars from the soap and fans of the show also paid tribute to Warren, tweeting:

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 (@antonycotton) March 2, 2016

Without Tony, there would've been no Our Friends In The North, GBH, Queer As Folk or Happy Valley. He carved out the landscape for them all — Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) 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

So very sad to hear Tony Warren has died. He has written so many wonderful scripts for Coronation Street over the last 50+ years. A sad day! — LeonAndJune (@LeonAndJune) March 2, 2016

Ena, Elsie, Rita, Deirdre, Raquel, Tracey, Hilda, Bet, Betty, Liz, Sally, Gail, Hayley - it ALL started wIth Tony Warren. #coronationstreet

— Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) March 2, 2016

Just heard about Tony Warren. Very sad news. "Coronation Street" is a genuine British cultural institution. — James VHS Gent ⚡ (@jamesgent76) March 2, 2016

RIP Tony Warren?? Thank you for creating my favourite thing❤️@itvcorrie

— Jaz (@AliKing__) March 2, 2016

Thank you for creating @itvcorrie Tony Warren, for giving me something to watch with my family growing up every night. RIP. — CC. (@DreamyCaitlin) March 2, 2016

RIP Tony Warren. Hard to overestimate his importance in the development of television in this country. Cracking writer.

— John Williams (@WorldofTelly) March 2, 2016

Lead Image: ITV Twitter