Coronation Street stars pay heartbreaking tributes to Stephanie Cole as actress dies aged 84
Stephanie Cole, OBE, has died at the age of 84 after battling Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.
Her passing was confirmed on Friday morning through a statement issued by her agent, John Grant, speaking on behalf of the family.
“Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television,” the statement read.
“She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcoms and drama.”
Stephanie Cole has died aged 84 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease
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PAThe family also highlighted Ms Cole’s dedication to causes beyond the screen, noting “she will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities”.
Her relatives have asked for privacy as they grieve, describing this as “an incredibly difficult time”.
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry, with former colleagues remembering her talent, kindness and warmth.
Coronation Street itself posted a tribute on social media, praising Ms Cole’s contribution to the long-running ITV soap.
Kate Ford said she ‘loved working with’ Cole and remembered her as ‘brilliant and super kind’
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ITV
“In her two years on the cobbles, Stephanie created an indelible, perfectly-drawn character in the best tradition of strong Coronation Street women,” the show’s statement said.
“She was a joy to write for and to watch, and news of her passing is deeply sad.”
Several current and former cast members quickly added their own heartfelt messages.
Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow, said: “I loved working with her; she was brilliant and super kind.”
Stephanie Cole played Roy Cropper’s formidable mother Sylvia Goodwin in Coronation Street
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GETTY
Antony Cotton, known for his role as Sean Tully, described Ms Cole as “adored by everyone in Weatherfield, and beyond,” calling it “a very sad day”.
Samia Longchambon, who portrays Maria Windass, echoed those sentiments, writing: “Stephanie was a brilliant actress and a wonderful lady.”
Catherine Tyldesley, who played Eva Price alongside Cole in the soap before later reuniting with her on BBC One’s Scarborough, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“Heartbroken to hear that the utterly brilliant Stephanie Cole has passed. So much talent, warmth, wit and generosity,” she wrote, recalling how the pair “bonded over our mutual love of old school jazz” during their time on the cobbles.
Ms Tyldesley added: “She made me laugh daily with her very wicked sense of humour. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with you Steph.”
Claire Sweeney, who departed Coronation Street earlier this year after playing Cassie Plummer, also paid tribute.
Having watched Ms Cole in Tenko as a child, she later worked alongside her on Scarborough.
“They say never meet your heroes, but Stephanie was an absolute joy to meet. Kind, funny and supremely talented,” Ms Sweeney wrote.
Catherine Tyldesley said she was ‘heartbroken’ following the death of her former co-star
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CATHERINE TYLDESLEY/INSTAGRAM
Ms Cole enjoyed a remarkable career spanning decades on stage and screen.
Coronation Street audiences knew her for portraying Roy Cropper’s formidable mother, Sylvia Goodwin, between 2011 and 2013, a performance that earned her the British Soap Award for best comedy performance.
Her television work encompassed an extraordinary range.
She took on the role of Dr Beatrice Mason in the prisoner-of-war drama Tenko, which aired from 1981 to 1985 and depicted the experiences of British women held captive in a Japanese internment camp following the invasion of Singapore.
Claire Sweeney described Stephanie Cole as ‘kind, funny and supremely talented’
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GETTY
The 1990s sitcom Waiting For God, set in a retirement home, brought her the British Comedy Award for best actress.
She was equally memorable as Delphine Featherstone, known as The Black Widow, in the BBC comedy Open All Hours, a part she later reprised in Still Open All Hours.
Further credits included A Bit Of A Do, Doc Martin, Gentleman Jack and Inside No 9.
Ms Cole was born in Solihull, Warwickshire, and went on to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
The actress was appointed an OBE for her services to drama, older people and mental health charities
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PA
Her theatrical career began remarkably early.
At just 17, she took to the stage as the 90-year-old medium Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit.
Decades later, aged 63, she returned to that same part when the production transferred to the Savoy Theatre in the West End in 2004.
Her stage credentials were further burnished in 1988 when she appeared in the inaugural series of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, performing the role of Muriel alongside a cast that included Thora Hird, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters and Patricia Routledge.
Beyond acting, Ms Cole was recognised for her commitment to mental health causes.
Her later television appearances included roles in Doctors, Midsomer Murders, The Cleaner and Gentleman Jack, cementing a legacy that stretched across more than six decades of British entertainment.
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