Coronation Street has paid a heartfelt tribute to one of its original stars, Philip Lowrie, following his recent passing. The emotional tribute aired at the end of the episode on Friday, May 2, 2025, as viewers were shown a black and white image of Lowrie with the caption: "In memory of Philip Lowrie 1936 - 2025." The tribute came just days after the announcement of his death, which was confirmed by his publicist, Mario Renzullo, on April 26.
Lowrie, who passed away at the age of 88, was best known for his role as Dennis Tanner, a character he portrayed since the very first episode of the soap in 1960. His agent stated, "My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday. His death marks the end of an era for the world's longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling." Lowrie's portrayal of Tanner made him a national heartthrob, captivating audiences with his roguish charm.
When Coronation Street first aired over six decades ago, Lowrie's character was introduced as the son of Elsie Tanner, played by the late Pat Phoenix. Dennis Tanner moved in with his mother after being released from prison, quickly establishing himself as a fan-favorite character. Interestingly, Lowrie had originally auditioned for the role of Ken Barlow, which ultimately went to William Roache. Despite this, Lowrie made his debut at the age of 24 and became an integral part of the show's history.
Dennis Tanner's journey on the show saw him marry Jenny Sutton and leave the cobbles in 1968, only to return decades later in 2011. His return was marked by a rekindling of his relationship with Rita Sullivan, played by Barbara Knox, who was his sweetheart when she first joined the show in 1966. The couple eventually tied the knot upon his return, but Tanner exited the soap once more in 2014 and was later killed off without making another appearance on screen.
Lowrie's contributions to television extended beyond Coronation Street. He was recognized by the Guinness World Records in September 2011 for having the longest gap between television appearances as the same character in the same show. His versatility as an actor also led him to feature in several of Victoria Wood's acclaimed comedy programs, including Victoria Wood's All Day Breakfast and Victoria Wood, Pat and Margaret.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Lowrie took on leading roles in stage productions such as Dame Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, The Case Of The Frightened Lady, and The Lady Vanishes. His talent and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
The team behind Coronation Street expressed their sadness over Lowrie's passing, offering heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. They described his character as "iconic" and emphasized that it was an "honor and a privilege to work with him" during his time on the show.
As viewers tuned in to watch the latest episode, the emotional tribute served as a poignant reminder of Lowrie's significant role in the show's legacy. The episode focused on Daisy Midgeley's exit from the Street, as she prepared to leave for a fresh start in Bali. The final scenes saw her saying goodbye to her loved ones, before the screen faded to black and the tribute to Lowrie appeared.
Coronation Street continues to air on ITV at 8 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and is available to stream from 7 AM on ITVX. The show remains a staple of British television, with its rich history intertwined with the lives of its beloved characters.
Philip Lowrie's legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike, as they remember the talented actor who brought Dennis Tanner to life and contributed to the enduring success of Coronation Street.
