Coronation Street boss and Catherine Tyldesley pay emotional tribute to Stephanie Cole after her death

ITV soap boss Iain MacLeod and Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley have issued touching tributes to actress Stephanie Cole following the latter's death at age 84. Cole played Roy Cropper's mother Sylvia Goodwin on the cobbles from 2011 to 2013, winning a British Soap Award.

The star, who was also renowned for work such as Open All Hours, Doc Martin and Waiting For God among many others, had been living with Alzheimer's disease "for some years", her agent said.

Now, Tyldesley has said in an Instagram post that she feels "incredibly lucky" to have worked with her not only on Corrie, but also on the BBC sitcom Scarborough, which aired in 2019.

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"Heartbroken to hear that the utterly brilliant Stephanie Cole has passed," she wrote. "So much talent, warmth, wit and generosity.

"I was lucky enough to work with this wonderful lady twice. Whilst at @coronationstreet we bonded over our mutual love of old school jazz. Some years later I was lucky enough to play ‘her Karen’ in @bbcone Scarborough.

"She made me laugh daily with her very wicked sense of humour. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with you Steph. Rest easy beautiful lady. Your Kaz."

MacLeod, ITV's Executive Producer for Continuing Drama, said in a statement shared with Digital Spy: “I remember the thrill that went around the building when everyone discovered Stephanie would be playing Roy Cropper’s mum, Sylvia. That thrill continued every time she stepped onto set and delivered the faultless performances we knew she would.

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"In her two years on the cobbles, she created an indelible, perfectly-drawn character in the best tradition of strong Coronation Street women. She was a joy to write for and to watch, and news of Stephanie’s passing is deeply sad.”

Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk on Corrie, commented on Tyldesley's post: "She was an absolute legend."

Announcing her passing today, Cole's agent John Grant said in a statement on behalf of her family: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE.

"She passed away this morning at the age of 84. Stephanie had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some years. Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television.

"She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities. During this incredibly difficult time, the family kindly requests privacy."