Stephanie Cole as Sylvia Goodwin in Coronation Street / © ITV
Coronation Street, Doc Martin and Waiting For God star Stephanie Cole has died at the age of 84.
The veteran actress of stage and screen boasted extensive credits dating back to the late 1950s, also having roles in Open All Hours, Tenko and the original series of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads.
In Corrie she played the part of Sylvia Goodwin, the difficult and outspoken mother of Roy Cropper (David Neilson), from 2011 to 2013 – a character who was killed off off-screen in 2019 as part of the storyline that brought Roy’s niece Nina (Mollie Gallagher) to Weatherfield.
A statement from Cole’s agent John Grant announced that she died on Friday morning after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for several years.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE,” it read.
“Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television.
“She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities.
“During this incredibly difficult time, the family kindly requests privacy.”
A Coronation Street spokesperson said: “In her two years on the cobbles, Stephanie created an indelible, perfectly-drawn character in the best tradition of strong Coronation Street women. She was a joy to write for and to watch, and news of her passing is deeply sad.”
Long-time Corrie writer Jonathan Harvey wrote on social media: “Very sad to hear that Steph Cole has passed. Our paths crossed on the cobbles of Coronation Street and we kept in touch as we were neighbours in London.
“I remember being very touched when she invited me to her seventieth birthday party in Bristol and all her showbiz pals got up and did turns.
“She was brave and truthful as an actor and of course coruscatingly funny. I had loved her as a kid watching her as Dr Beatrice Mason in Tenko because she really reminded me of my Aunty Lena. But suffice to say she was a lot more potty mouthed than Aunty Lena and knew how to use the odd ‘fuck’ to huge comic advantage. RIP you fabulous woman.”
Cole is survived by actress daughter Emma.
