If you’re a regular Coronation Street viewer, you didn’t need an introduction to recognise the Old Kebab Guy. He was one of those familiar faces who kept popping up around Weatherfield, especially in street and market scenes. Sadly, he died just days after Christmas, and the news has led to a wave of tributes from those who worked with him, and many are describing him as a “true legend.”
Coronation Street Loses the Old Kebab Guy
The man behind the Old Kebab Guy was Tony Little, who died on December 28, 2025. Born in 1937, he spent years appearing on Coronation Street as a non-speaking supporting artist. He worked for many years as a non-speaking supporting artist on Coronation Street, regularly appearing in background scenes that long-time soap fans always clocked straight away. He often appeared in busy Weatherfield moments, sharing scenes with some of the show’s most recognisable characters.
Over the years, viewers saw him alongside long-serving cast members including William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the very first episode aired in 1960. While he never spoke on screen, his repeated appearances made him instantly recognisable. For soap viewers, he became one of those characters you didn’t need to explain; you just knew who he was.
Supporting Artists Pay Heartfelt Tributes
The news became public after fellow Coronation Street supporting actor Adam Blease shared a tribute on X, formerly Twitter. He posted the dates “05/09/1937 ~ 28/12/2025,” confirming the actor’s death shortly after Christmas.
Adam, who plays Dirk from Underworld, described him as a comedian, singer, and entertainer who worked on Corrie for many years. He said he was not only hilarious but also a great friend, adding that they formed an unlikely friendship built on laughter.
Adam also called him “always iconic and a true legend,” a line that quickly summed up how many in the Corrie family felt about the loss. The tributes continued as fans and fellow supporting artists reacted online. The unofficial Coronation Street podcast ‘The Talk of the Street’ thanked Adam for sharing the sad news and said the Old Kebab Guy’s appearances always made them smile.
Other supporting artists shared short messages of respect, with one saying he worked with him on many episodes over the years. Fans also responded simply, calling the news sad and sending condolences. He may never have delivered a line, but the reaction to his death shows how recognisable he was to soap viewers. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.