Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod has paid an emotional tribute to Stephanie Cole following her death at the age of 84. The actress played Sylvia Cropper, the mother of Roy Cropper, on the ITV soap from 2011 until 2013. During that time, MacLeod, who as Executive Producer for Continuing Drama now oversees production of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, served as story editor on the programme.
'Faultless performances'
In a statement given to The Mirror, he said: "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."
Sylvia was introduced as somewhat of a battle-axe, following on from the likes of Ena Sharples and Blanche Hunt. MacLeod praised Stephanie's approach to creating the character on screen.
He said: "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."
Co-stars pay tribute
Several stars of Coronation Street have also spoken out following the sad news. Claire Sweeney, who has recently left her role as Cassie Plummer, wrote on Instagram: "So sad to hear the news of the passing of Stephanie Cole. She was a superb actress."
"I remember watching her in Tenko as a kid, then in Alan Bennett's Soldiering On. Years later, I was lucky enough to work with her and work with her on Derren Litten's Scarborough. They say never meet your heroes, but Stephanie was an absolute joy to meet. Kind, funny, and supremely talented."
Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Rovers Return landlady Eva Price, said: "Heartbroken to hear that the utterly brilliant Stephanie Cole has passed. 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."
Jonathan Harvey, who has written for Coronation Street for over 20 years but is also known for creating the sitcoms Gimme Gimme Gimme and Beautiful People, said: "Very sad to hear that Steph Cole has passed."
"Our paths crossed on the cobbles of Coronation Street and we kept in touch as we were neighbours in London. I remember being very touched when she invited me to her seventieth birthday party in Bristol and all her showbiz pals got up and did turns."
"She was brave and truthful as an actor and of course coruscatingly funny. I had loved her as a kid watching her as Dr Beatrice Mason in Tenko because she really reminded me of my Aunty Lena. But suffice to say she was a lot more potty mouthed than Aunty Lena and knew how to use the odd 'f***' to huge comic advantage. RIP you fabulous woman."
Iconic roles and final years
Outside of Coronation Street, Stephanie was probably best known as the formidable Diana Trent in the 1990s retirement home comedy Waiting For God. In recent years, the acclaimed actress had been living with Alzheimer's disease. One of her last TV roles was playing Aunt Ann Walker in Gentleman Jack alongside Suranne Jones, which ended in 2022.
A statement from Stephanie's agent, John Grant, on behalf of her family, today said: "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."
