Stephanie Cole dies aged 84

Coronation Street star Stephanie Cole has died at the age of 84 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Agent announces passing

Her agent announced her death on Friday with a statement saying she passed away this morning at 84 after living with Alzheimer's disease for years.

OBE recognition

Stephanie was awarded an OBE in 2005 for her acting work and is remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities.

Iconic roles

She starred in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours as Mrs Delphine Featherstone, known for her quick wit and pitiful view of men.

“Men. They need a firm hand, everywhere but where they'd like it.”

Coronation Street role

In Coronation Street, she played Roy Cropper's cantankerous mother Sylvia from 2011 to 2013, leaving viewers in hysterics with her savage put-downs.

Alzheimer's Society statement

Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'We are deeply saddened by the news that Stephanie Cole has died with dementia. Stephanie brought joy to millions through a remarkable career spanning decades.'

“We are deeply saddened by the news that Stephanie Cole has died with dementia.”

Career highlights

Stephanie won Best Comedy Performance at the 2012 British Soap Awards for her role in Coronation Street and Best TV Actress in the 1992 British Comedy Awards for Waiting For God.

Later roles

She starred in BBC sitcom The Cleaner in 2021 and two series of Gentleman Jack, which concluded in 2022.

Personal life

Stephanie married flight director Henry Marshall in 1973, divorced in 1988, and remarried actor Peter Birrell in 1998 after meeting him again thirty years later.

Industry comments

Stephanie previously blasted the BBC for still telling her how to act despite her experience, saying they were 'rather old fashioned in their ways'.

“They don't listen to me - I'm neither here nor there.”

Alzheimer's Society support

Alzheimer's Society offers a Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 for anyone affected by dementia.

Fan tributes

Fans paid tribute on social media, writing: 'So sad about Stephanie Cole. Was so great in Man Down and Corrie. RIP;'.

“So sad about Stephanie Cole. Was so great in Man Down and Corrie. RIP”

Legacy

Stephanie is remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities and her iconic roles in British television.

Alzheimer's impact

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

“It is heartbreaking that her later years were impacted by dementia, the UK's biggest killer.”

Dementia awareness

Alzheimer's Society urges everyone to talk about dementia and work together to create a future where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Final thoughts

Stephanie Cole's death highlights the need for greater awareness and support for dementia patients and their families.