Why did Philip Lowrie leave Coronation Street? British star’s career explored as he passes away

According to ITV News, Philip Lowrie passed away at 88 on Friday, April 25, 2025. The well-known British TV actor’s publicist, Mr Renzullo, confirmed the news to the channel with an official statement that reads,

“My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88. His death marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling.”

Lowrie was among the original cast members of Coronation Street. He appeared as Dennis Tanner in the first episode of Corrie in 1960 and remained a part of the soap opera throughout the decade. Lowrie initially stepped away from Coronation Street during his first tenure on the show owing to “complications with a writers strike” in 1962, per The Sun.

According to Corrie.net (maintained by the author Glenda Young), Lowrie took frequent breaks from the show to devote his time to theater work, with his last one being in 1968. His character, Dennis, married Jenny Sutton (played by Mitzi Rogers) and moved to Bristol, effectively getting written off the show. Philip was a part of the show for its first eight years and returned after more than four decades.

Philip Lowrie’s return to Coronation Street earned him a Guinness World Record

Dennis Tanner was seen in Corrie for its first eight years before he moved to Bristol and was written off by the creators. Philip Lowrie’s character returned to the street after 43 years of absence in 2011. The gap between his appearances on Corrie earned Lowrie a Guinness World Record, which he held until 2022.

The new record-holder is a late British actor, William Russell (for portraying Ian Chesterton in Doctor Who), who has a 57-year gap between his two appearances. He made a cameo on Doctor Who in 2022, following his previous appearance in 1965.

Philip Lowrie continued to portray Dennis Tanner until 2014 when he bid a final farewell to Corrie. Acknowledging his contribution to the show, Coronation Street’s official X handle (@itvcorrie) wrote,

“Everyone at Coronation Street is saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lowrie.”

The post continued,

“As an original member of the cast in 1960, Philip created an iconic character in Dennis Tanner, son of Elsie Tanner, played by Pat Phoenix. When Philip returned to Coronation Street in 2011 it was an honour and a privilege to work with him. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his loved ones.”

Philip's co-star from Corrie, Andrew Lancel (@AndrewLancel), expressed his condolences on X,

Trending

"Dear Philip Lowrie . I was honoured to work with and get to know this lovely man and wonderful actor .. and call him a friend - in and after our time in Corrie. We had some great times. A gentleman, the best company and the kindest heart. Rest well sir. ❤️❤️"

The creators killed Dennis Tanner off-screen in 2020 (announced on the 10,000th episode). Thus, Lowrie's 2014 appearance became his last one on Coronation Street. Lowrie, whose career began in the late ’50s, ended with Home Fires in 2016, as the actor did not work on any projects after that.

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