Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have paid tribute to David Johnson, who has been credited with launching their careers, after his sudden death.
Actors including Corrie's Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor,) took to social media on Wednesday to pay their respects to 'star-maker' David, who founded Oldham Theatre Workshop in 1968 and who went on to launch the careers of many soap stars.
David, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019, tragically died on May 4 but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed.
Sadness: Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars, including Samia Longchambon, have paid tribute to David Johnson has been credited with kickstarting their careers, after his death
Tragic: David, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019, died on May 4 but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed (stock image)
Since the news of his passing, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars praised him for his 'influence' and for helping them to kickstart their careers with his drama classes.
Antony Cotton tweeted: 'Just heard the saddest news. David Johnson who was the director of the phenomena that was Oldham Theatre Workshop, has died.
'He put so many of us on the map, and kick started so many careers, both on stage and off. So many of us owe him so much. I'm absolutely gutted.'
He continued: 'He formed my childhood so profoundly, and in turn - my adult life too.
Devastated: Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in Coronation Street, said he was 'absolutely gutted' to hear of David's death as he admitted that he owes him 'so much'
'Those years were the best years of my life. Rest in Power David. You were the best x'
He also shared a heartfelt statement on behalf of his co-star Alison King, who plays Carla Connor in the ITV soap opera, as she doesn't have social media.
It read: 'David Johnson. R.I.P... my absolute hero! My maker of all things that I am, and
