The Coronation Street family is mourning the quiet loss of one of its most familiar and fondly remembered faces. Tony Little, a long-serving supporting artist

on the ITV soap, has died over the Christmas period, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Though his role was non-speaking,

Tony’s presence on the cobbles left a lasting impression, proving that even the smallest parts can carry enormous heart.

Tony Little, who had a non-speaking role on Corrie, has died

Tony Little was best known to viewers as “Old Kebab Guy,” a background character who became a recognisable fixture on Coronation Street. He never delivered a line of dialogue, yet his appearances were enough to make him a fan favourite. Whether standing near the kebab shop or lingering in the background of bustling street scenes, Tony brought warmth, authenticity and a touch of humour to the show’s world. His ability to convey character without words made him quietly iconic.

The sad news was confirmed by fellow supporting artist Adam Blease, who plays Dirk at Underworld. Taking to X, Adam shared a simple but deeply moving tribute, revealing Tony’s dates of birth and death — 5 September 1937 to 28 December 2025 — alongside a broken heart emoji. For those who worked alongside Tony, the loss is deeply personal.

Adam followed up with a heartfelt message that captured the essence of the man behind the familiar face. He described Tony as a “Comedian, Singer, Entertainer and #Corrie Supporting Artist for many years,” adding that Tony was not only hilarious but also a great friend. Their friendship, Adam explained, was an unlikely one, forged through shared joy and laughter on set. “Always iconic and a true legend,” he wrote, summing up the affection many felt for Tony.

The tribute quickly resonated across the Coronation Street community. The unofficial Coronation Street podcast, The Talk of the Street, also shared the sad news, thanking Adam for informing them of Tony’s passing. In their post, they reflected on how Tony’s appearances always brought a smile and noted that it was clear he was “quite the character.” They extended their love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends, echoing sentiments shared by many.

Other colleagues soon added their voices. One supporting artist recalled working on many episodes with Tony over the years, describing him simply as “a lad” and wishing him peace. Another summed up the collective feeling with just two words: “Sad news.” The simplicity of these messages spoke volumes about the quiet respect Tony commanded among those who knew him best.

While Tony Little never had a speaking role, he regularly appeared alongside some of Coronation Street’s most legendary characters. Viewers may remember spotting him in scenes with Ken Barlow, portrayed by Bill Roache, or alongside Maria Connor, played by Samia Longchambon. These moments, though brief, helped ground the show in reality, reinforcing the sense of a living, breathing community where familiar faces come and go.

Tony’s co-star Adam paid tribute to the actor on social media

Supporting artists like Tony are often the unsung heroes of long-running dramas. They help create the texture of everyday life on screen, populating the world with recognisable figures who make the setting feel real. Tony’s consistent presence over the years made him part of the fabric of Weatherfield, even if many viewers never knew his name until now.

The timing of Tony’s passing has added an extra layer of poignancy for fans, coming just days after Coronation Street aired one of its most explosive and emotionally charged episodes in recent memory. The soap recently delivered a dramatic crossover with Emmerdale in the much-talked-about “Corriedale” special, an event that left viewers reeling.

At the centre of that storyline was the tragic death of Billy Mayhew. In harrowing scenes, Billy lost his life during a catastrophic car crash involving a minibus filled with his neighbours. As the vehicle skidded out of control and tipped onto its side, panic and chaos ensued. While others managed to escape, Billy became trapped inside, helpless as precious seconds ticked away.

The drama intensified when Theo, revealed as the episode’s villain, made the chilling decision not to save Billy. Crawling out of the wreckage himself, Theo left Billy behind as the minibus erupted in a fatal explosion. The scenes were devastating, leaving Billy’s loved ones — and viewers at home — shattered.

That episode underscored one of Coronation Street’s enduring strengths: its ability to balance spectacle with deep emotional storytelling. Yet, as the show grappled with fictional loss on screen, the real-life loss of Tony Little has reminded fans and cast alike that behind every scene are real people, real friendships, and real grief.

Tony’s death over Christmas has cast a shadow over what is usually a season of celebration. For those who worked with him, the festive period will now be forever tinged with sadness. Yet many have also chosen to focus on gratitude — for the laughter he shared, the professionalism he brought to set, and the joy he quietly gave to viewers.

In an industry where fame is often measured by screen time and dialogue, Tony Little’s legacy is a powerful reminder that impact is not always about words. His ability to become memorable without speaking is a testament to his presence and personality. Fans who smiled at the sight of “Old Kebab Guy” may not have known his name before, but they knew his face — and that familiarity mattered.

As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Tony’s contribution to Coronation Street went far beyond his non-speaking role. He was part of the show’s extended family, a familiar constant in a world that has changed dramatically over the decades.

Coronation Street has said goodbye to many beloved characters and actors over the years, but the loss of Tony Little feels especially poignant because of its quietness. There will be no dramatic exit storyline, no farewell scene on the cobbles. Instead, his absence will be felt in subtler ways — in the background of scenes where a familiar figure once stood.

As Weatherfield moves forward, Tony Little will be remembered not just as a supporting artist, but as a cherished presence who brought life to the street without ever needing to speak. His legacy lives on in the countless episodes he appeared in and in the memories of those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Our thoughts remain with Tony’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. In a show built on community, his passing has touched many — proving that even the quietest characters can leave the loudest echoes behind.