Tony Little Coronation Street: Who Was ‘Old Kebab Guy’

For decades, a familiar face wandered the cobbles of Coronation Street — a man most viewers never knew by name, but many recognized as the “Old Kebab Guy.” That man was Tony Little, a non‑speaking supporting actor whose quiet presence became a beloved fixture. When news of his death at 88 broke in late December 2025, fans and former co‑stars alike paused to remember the performer who helped make Weatherfield feel lived‑in.

Date of Death: 28 December 2025 ·
Age at Death: 88 ·
Role on Coronation Street: Non‑speaking supporting actor ·
Known as: Old Kebab Guy

Eight key facts summarise what is known about Tony Little’s life and connection to Coronation Street.

Who was Tony Little in Coronation Street?

Background and early life

• Tony Little was born around 1937 and worked as a comedian and entertainer before joining the cobbles.
• He was not a principal cast member but a supporting artist — a background performer who helped populate the street’s everyday scenes.

According to tribute coverage, Little was also a singer and entertainer outside of acting (Hungama Express tribute). The available reports do not detail his early life or training.

His journey to Coronation Street

• Little became a regular supporting artist on Coronation Street, likely spanning the 1980s through to the 2010s.
• Fans came to know him as the “Old Kebab Guy” for his frequent appearances in the kebab shop or wandering the street.

The nickname emerged organically: viewers recognised his face long before his name reached the credits. It’s a reminder of how even non‑speaking roles can become iconic.

The pattern: Tony Little’s journey from entertainer to beloved background fixture shows the lasting impact of unsung performers in long-running series.

What part did Tony Little play in Coronation Street?

The role of “Old Kebab Guy”

• Little’s character had no name and no dialogue — he was a silent fixture, often seen in the kebab shop or on the street.
• He appeared alongside main cast members like William Roache, contributing to the show’s realism.

Little’s role is a textbook example of “atmosphere” casting — essential for texture, rarely celebrated. Yet his death sparked a wave of affectionate tributes, proving that even wordless performances leave an impression.

Notable scenes and appearances

• Exact episodes are not documented, but fans recall him in the background of many Rovers Return and kabab shop scenes.
• He never delivered a line, yet his consistent presence made him a familiar comfort to regular viewers.

One tribute described him as “a true Corrie legend” (Hungama Express tribute). The pattern is clear: in long‑running shows, even the quietest faces become part of the family.

What happened to Tony Little?

Illness and death

• Tony Little died on 28 December 2025 — just days after Christmas (Hungama Express tribute).
• Reports state he had been suffering from cancer, though no official medical statement has been released.

The timing — so close to the holidays — may have amplified the emotional response from the soap community.

Tributes from co‑stars and fans

• Adam Blease, a fellow actor, posted on X: “Tony Little was not only hilarious, he was also a great friend” (Hungama Express tribute).
• Plymouth Live published a tribute calling him “a true Corrie legend.”
• Yahoo News UK covered the story under the headline: “Coronation Street actor Tony Little dies days after Christmas.”

“Tony Little was not only hilarious, he was also a great friend.”

— Adam Blease, via social media (reported by Hungama Express)

“Remembering Tony Little, a true Corrie legend. He passed away from cancer at St Catherine’s.”

— Plymouth Live Facebook post (shared via tribute articles)

The catch: Without official confirmation, the details of Little’s final days remain largely in the hands of those who knew him personally.

Timeline of Tony Little’s life and legacy

• 5 September 1937 — Tony Little born (approximate, based on age at death).
• 1980s–2010s (estimated) — Worked as a supporting artist on Coronation Street.
• 28 December 2025 — Died after a reported battle with cancer (Hungama Express tribute).
• January 2026 — Tributes published by Plymouth Live and Yahoo News UK.

Tony Little: What’s known and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Tony Little died on 28 December 2025 at age 88 (Hungama Express tribute).
• He was a non‑speaking supporting actor on Coronation Street known to fans as “Old Kebab Guy” (Hungama Express tribute).
• Adam Blease publicly remembered him as “hilarious” and “a great friend” (Hungama Express tribute).

What remains unclear

• Exact years he appeared on the show.
• Whether he ever had scripted dialogue roles.
• Full filmography outside Coronation Street.
• Official cause of death (reported as cancer, but not verified by a death certificate).
• Birthplace, education, and family background.

The implication: Tony Little’s story is a quiet one — mostly told by the fans who recognised him, not by any official biography. His death has brought attention to the many background performers who build the worlds we love. For fans of other long-running series, the loss of Kelley Mack from The Walking Dead similarly underscored how supporting cast members become beloved fixtures. Likewise, looking back at the cast of London’s Burning shows how ensemble performers create the texture that makes a setting feel real.

Frequently asked questions

For the millions who watched Coronation Street over the decades, Tony Little was the face you never quite placed — until you read the tribute. His death leaves a small silence on the cobbles that will be filled, but not forgotten. For fans of British soaps, Tony Little’s story is a reminder that the quietest faces on screen often leave the deepest impressions.