How Corrie's Mike Baldwin star died 'penniless' after '1m' divorce and why he quit soap

It's been 20 years since Mike Baldwin was written out of Coronation Street but what became of actor Johnny Briggs?

Johnny joined the ITV soap in 1976 as Mike and quickly became a cherished character, featuring in 2,349 episodes and cementing himself as a central figure for three decades. His character found himself at the heart of several major storylines, including a scandalous affair with Deirdre Barlow, portrayed by the late Anne Kirkbride. However, in 2006, Mike was written out with his final scenes airing on April 7, reports the Mirror.

Several years afterwards, Johnny also passed away. But what did he get up to following his cobbles exit? And how much did his bitter divorce from his second wife cost him?

Johnny's Coronation Street exit

In 2005 it emerged that Johnny was leaving Coronation Street, with his character Mike being axed the following year through a storyline featuring Alzheimer's disease.

According to Digital Spy, a spokesperson confirmed: "His [Johnny] storyline has some way to run but he will be leaving in 2006 after completing 30 years in the show. It was his decision to retire."

Beyond his wish to retire, another reason behind Johnny's exit was allegedly his desire to spend additional time with family due to the soap's gruelling filming commitments. And on 7 April 2006, Johnny's final scenes as Mike were aired, featuring his poignant death in the arms of romantic rival Ken Barlow (William Roache), marking one of the most memorable moments in the soap's history.

What did Johnny do after Coronation Street?

After leaving Coronation Street, Johnny was honoured with an MBE in 2007, receiving the award from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

He also made a number of guest appearances on television. Johnny starred in Marple and Holby City from 2007 to 2009, and that same year he appeared on BBC soap Doctors.

Johnny's last acting role was in a 2012 Text Santa Special of Coronation Street, where he reprised his role as the ghost of Mike.

Johnny's death

On 28 February 2021, father-of-six Johnny passed away surrounded by his family, following a long illness.

At the time of his death, his family released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news, stating: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs.

"He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85."

As expected, tributes poured in for Johnny following the announcement of his passing. Roache said yesterday: 'So sorry to hear about Johnny.

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. '.

Johnny's contentious divorce

In 2025, the Daily Express revealed that Johnny - who ranked amongst the ITV soap's best-paid stars, pulling in 200,000 per year - had declared himself practically penniless prior to his passing.

This was reportedly down to a acrimonious divorce battle with his second spouse Christine Allsop, to whom he was married from 1977 to 2006. Christine allegedly ended the marriage after uncovering Johnny's affair with a makeup assistant.

According to MailOnline, Christine revealed: "I know he always reads his fan mail, as he has such a huge ego so I tucked a letter in a pile of it, telling him I wanted a divorce."

The divorce proceedings reportedly left him 1million poorer.

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