Coronation Street star Maria Charles has died aged 93.
The actress played the close friend of Blanche Hunt, Lena Thistlewood, on the ITV soap in 2005.
But she was perhaps best known for her role Bea Fisher, the mother of Maureen Lipman’s character Jane Lucas in ITV sitcom Agony.
She appeared in all three seasons of the show which ran from 1979 until 1981, returning once again for the sequel, Agony Again, in 1995.
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Maria’s career kickstarted in the 1945 when she made her stage debut in the production of Alice in Wonderland before making her West End theatre debut in the Pick up Girl one year later.
Her other notable roles included Mrs Reaper in 2007 film Hot Fuzz, Noreeen Biggs in TV series Bad Girls and Granny in hit Channel 4 series Skins.
After learning the tragic news, fans took to social media to pay tribute to the star.
Maria’s co-star, Eva Fontaine, shared on Twitter: “Rest in Peace #MariaCharles Wonderful memories of working with you on Ticking, my first 2hander standalone ep for #Doctors A real pleasure.”
Another person wrote: “RIP the lovely Maria Charles, who played feisty Noreen Biggs in both Bad Girls and Bad Girls the Musical in the West End. She was so much fun, a true pro with a naughty glint in her eye. Such a long illustrious career and always so lovely to be around.”
“RIP Maria Charles. She was fantastic in Bad Girls as Noreen Biggs. Great actress,” added a third user.
Someone else penned: “Very saddened to hear of the death of Maria Charles this morning. Such wonderful performances as Lisa’s Aunt Louise in #SecretArmy.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Maria had an exceptionally long acting career that spanned over seven decades, with the star even tutoring James Bond star Daniel Craig for the audition that kickstarted his career.
She married actor Robin Hunter in 1952 but the couple later divorced in 1966.
The actress is survived by her two children; daughters Kelly and Samantha.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
