Coronation Street and Waiting For God actress Stephanie Cole dies

Actress Stephanie Cole, best known for her roles in Coronation Street, Tenko and Open All Hours, has died aged 84, her agent said.

She also gave memorable performances in Waiting For God, A Bit Of A Do and Doc Martin.

Her agent John Grant said she had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some years.

In a statement on behalf of her family, he said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE.

"She passed away this morning at the age of 84. Stephanie had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some years.

"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."

Cole appeared on Coronation Street between 2011 and 2013 as Sylvia Goodwin, the mother of Roy Cropper.

She won the British Soap Award for best comedy performance for the role.

More from Sky News:
Teenager jailed for piloting 'mega dinghy' across Channel
British man granted bail after being detained in India for years

She also won the British Comedy Award for best actress for 1990s sitcom Waiting For God, about residents of a retirement home.

Cole also had an extensive career in theatre, with roles in King Lear, A Passionate Woman, Noises Off and Talking Heads.

Born in Solihull, Warwickshire, Cole trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School after making her stage debut at the age of 17 - playing the 90-year-old medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit.

One of her other best-known screen roles was playing Dr Beatrice Mason in the drama Tenko, which ran from 1981 until 1985 and followed the lives of British women in Singapore after the Japanese invasion and their consequent confinement in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: "It is heartbreaking that her later years were impacted by dementia, the UK's biggest killer."

(c) Sky News 2026: Coronation Street and Waiting For God actress Stephanie Cole dies