Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones, known to soap fans as Blanche Hunt, has died in hospital at the age of 75.
The sharp-tongued mother of Deirdre Barlow first appeared in the show 35 years ago, making regular appearances and became a resident cast member in 1999.
In October, Jones was admitted for life-saving surgery and Corrie scriptwriters cut her out of the show whilst she recovered.
But Doctors at Manchester's Hope Hospital have confirmed that she passed away in the early hours of this morning.
Her agent Katie Threlfall said: "Maggie was a rare treasure; incredibly kind, honest and loved by so many. It has been such a privilege to work with her, and we will miss her dearly."
Several Corrie personnel have also paid tribute to Jones' award-winning performance as the witty mother-in-law of Ken Barlow, played by veteran Street actor William Roache.
He said: ‘Maggie was a big part of the Barlow family and a brilliant actress. She was a tower of strength, physically frail but mentally strong as an ox and sharp as someone half her age.
"She had an amazing dry wit and was as funny if not funnier than Blanche. We were great cross word partners, we sat through Tracy’s trial scenes doing the cross word together.
"I don’t think Maggie ever realised how much she was loved not only by everyone on the show but by the millions of Blanche fans out there. She will be greatly missed."
Kieran Roberts, Coronation Street's executive producer, added: "Maggie was a much-loved colleague and a wonderful actress who turned Blanche into a true Coronation Street icon.
"She will be hugely missed by Coronation Street’s many millions of viewers and by everyone who works on Coronation Street. Our thoughts and prayers go to Maggie’s sister Joan at this very sad time."
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