EastEnders legend Sandy Ratcliff, known for playing Sue Osman, endured a harrowing death in agony and isolation after her partner was convicted of murder. The actress's off-screen life was as dramatic as her on-screen role, ending tragically in April 2019.
A Life of Turmoil
Ratcliff, one of the original cast members of the BBC soap, appeared as Sue Osman from 1985 to 1989. Her character dealt with heavy storylines including cot death, infidelity, and a mental breakdown. Off-screen, Ratcliff battled a heroin addiction that became public knowledge, leading to her departure from the show.
Before her fame, Ratcliff had a troubled youth. She was expelled from school at age 12 and reportedly smoked cannabis heavily as a young teen. She also served prison time for drug dealing before joining EastEnders.
Partner's Murder Conviction
After leaving the show, Ratcliff made headlines again when her partner, Michael Shorey, stood trial at the Old Bailey for murdering two women. Ratcliff provided an alibi, claiming they were together having sex at the time of the crimes. However, Shorey was found guilty and is serving two life sentences.
Final Years and Death
Ratcliff overcame her heroin addiction and worked as a mechanic, ambulance driver, and counselor. In her later years, she lived on disability allowance. She was diagnosed with two forms of terminal lung cancer and suffered three strokes before her death at age 70.
An inquest found that Ratcliff died from a combination of the cancers and an excessive amount of morphine. Coroner Mary Hassell stated, "I don't think the morphine was used to end her life. She was using it as she had used drugs for many years. She died from a combination of two naturally occurring terminal conditions and an excess of morphine."
