Coronation Street actress Maria Charles, who was known for playing Lena Thistlewood in the ITV soap, has died.
The star enjoyed a long career both on the screen and on the stage, performing to audiences for over 60 years.
As well as playing Lina Thistlewood in Corrie back in 2005, Maria also notably played Mrs Reaper in 2007’s hit movie Hot Fuzz and Noreeen Biggs in Bad Girls from 2002 to 2003.
One of Maria’s most memorable roles was in the sitcom Agony, where she played Bea Fisher, who was the mother of Maureen Lipman’s character Jane Lucas.
She starred in the show throughout it’s run from 1979 to 1981 and in the 1995 sequel Agony Again.
Tributes have come pouring in for the late actress who famously appeared in shows such as Bad Girls and Coronation Street.
Taking to Twitter, Rich shared a video of Maria, writing: “Such sad news about Maria Charles; best known to me as playing Noreen Biggs in Bad Girls. This scene with Bodybag will always make me chuckle.”
While Nicole tweeted: “R.I.P the lovely Maria Charles, who played feisty Noreen Biggs in both @BadGirlsTVShow and Bad Girls the Musical in the West End.
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“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.” (sic)
Co-worker Eva Fontaine fondly recalled acting with Maria in Doctors.
“Rest in Peace #MariaCharles,” she penned. “Wonderful memories of working with you on Ticking, my first 2hander standalone ep for #Doctors. A real pleasure.” (sic)
Scott wrote: “Sad news.. RIP Maria Charles aged 93. I loved her in both ‘Agony’ (1979) and ‘Never the Twain’ (1981).” (sic)
A theatre fan account posted: “MARIA CHARLES: ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the very first show the monkey ever saw in a West End Theatre.
“So sad to hear of her passing today. Condolences to her family and friends at this time. #RIPMariaCharles.” (sic)
Maria first found success in West End stage musicals, starring in 1920s musical pastiche The Boy Friend at Wyndham’s theatre from 1954 to 1957.
Two decades later, she starred as the wicked Miss Hannigan in popular musical Annie in Victoria Palace theatre from 1978 to 1979.
She also starred as Solange LaFitte in a West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies at Shaftesbury theatre from 1987 to 1989.
The actress married actor Robin Hunter in 1952, later getting divorced in 1966.
Maria is survived by two daughters from that marriage, Kelly, an actor, and Samantha, a production stage manager, and two grandchildren, Albert and Charlie.
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