Coronation Street has presented viewers with thousands of moments that they will never forget over the years. Still, something occasionally reminds them just how integral the show‘s earliest history remains. This week brings one of those bittersweet moments, as a beloved figure from the very beginning takes his final bow from this world.
Philip Lowrie: From First Show to Timeless Legacy
Unfortunately, Philip Lowrie, the actor who portrayed Dennis Tanner in Corrie’s very first show all those years ago in 1960, has died at 88. He was a classic cheeky chancer of a character, flitting from one menial job to the next before eventually getting some stability.
Dennis‘s initial stint on the cobbles lasted until 1968, although a union walkout that delayed filming interrupted it for a short while. After his departure, he married Jenny Sutton and relocated to begin anew outside Weatherfield.
Years later, Lowrie unexpectedly returned from 2011 through 2014, slipping right back into Dennis‘s role as if no time had elapsed. His return even warranted a Guinness World Record for longest interval between playing the same character on the same show, one that remained until Doctor Who broke it in 2022.
Back on the Street, Dennis finds love with Rita Sullivan, which leads to a charming later-in-life romance and marriage. But true to form, Dennis’s story took a dramatic twist when he ditched Rita for a globe-trotting adventure with Gloria Price.
Unfortunately for him, the adventure didn’t last. Gloria quickly dumped him, leaving Dennis humiliated and crawling back home. He even joined forces with Julie Carp to win Rita back, but Norris Cole would not let that happen.
Dennis‘s last chapter was quietly revealed during Corrie‘s 10,000th episode in 2020. The audience learned he had passed away off-screen. Always a woman of her word, Rita took his ashes to Blackpool. But in a typical Corrie twist, an ambulance accidentally drove over the urn before she could scatter them.
Tributes Pour In for a Coronation Street Icon
Verifying the news, Philip Lowrie‘s representative, Mario Renzullo, confirmed via ITV that the actor and close friend had died. He characterized Lowrie as a well-loved character, recognized and adored for his role in shaping Coronation Street‘s first stories.
Renzullo stated that Lowrie‘s death really was the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap opera. The Coronation Street team also paid tribute in a heartfelt social media message. The team stated that the news had hugely saddened everyone associated with the show.
Philip Lowrie did not merely act a character — he set the tone for all that Coronation Street would ever be. His legacy and Dennis Tanner’s escapades will be a precious part of the Street‘s amazing history. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more such soap updates!
