Hundreds of fans are expected to pack Salford Cathedral to pay tribute to Coronation Street star Maggie Jones, who died earlier this year.
The life of actress Maggie, who played battleaxe Blanche Hunt, will be celebrated in a public service of remembrance at 2.00 pm on Thursday 25th February at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Evengelist.
The service is open to everybody, and will be conducted by Canon Anthony McBride in the cathedral which has a seating capacity of 700.
The service will feature special recitals and readings by cast members, alongside a personal address by actor William Roache MBE (alias Blanche's son-in-law Ken Barlow).
Filming on the sets of The Street - less than a mile away - will be suspended for the afternoon to allow cast and crew to attend.
Known to millions as Blanche Hunt, Maggie joined the show in September 1974 and quickly became the sharp-tongued queen of the one-line out down.
Coronation Street Producer, Kim Crowther, said: "Maggie was such a wonderful character in real life, and just as unforgettable as her alter-ego Blanche.
"Still missed greatly by cast and crew, we always planned to give everybody the chance to celebrate Maggie's life, both on and off the street.
"Thursday is not just for the people that worked with her and knew her well, but also for the public who adored her - never less than when she was 'charming' the nation with her sharpest put down!"
Maggie was last seen on screen just before Christmas and off-screen Blanche is presently house-sitting for a friend in Portugal.
Viewers will hear of Blanche’s death in May, and on screen the residents of the street will gather for her funeral, giving her worldwide fans the chance to say one last goodbye.
john leahy, cork ireland around 1 year, 11 months ago