I’ve got to admit, I was gutted to hear that actress Maggie Jones had died yesterday after playing the incredible battleaxe Blanche Hunt on Coronation Street for 35 years.
The 75 year old was one of those characters who you loved on the show, but would hate to have as your mum in real life – as her viper tongue, dry humour and ‘classic’ OAP behaviour would leaving you climbing the walls. And I am certain she will be dearly missed.
The star’s final scenes on the show were screened just a few days ago on November 20, after she had undergone an emergency stomach operation in October which had left her in intensive care in Salford Royal Hospital, Greater Manchester.
Doctors did believe she was making a slow but steady recovery, however her condition deteriorated rapidly yesterday morning and she died in her sleep before news of her death was broken to the Corrie cast in the green room of the ITV1 soap’s Manchester set.
In a showing tribute to an amazing woman, The Sun reported that there were five minutes of spontaneous applause as a salute to her memory and filming was stopped for the rest of the day.
To be honest, I can’t imagine the street without her witty put downs aimed at Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and mischievous son-in-law Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) – and it was her expert comedy timing that bagged her a number of Soap Award ceremonies.
The Sun have published a number of tributes to the star including Bill Roache’s: “Maggie was a brilliant actress. She was a tower of strength – physically frail but mentally strong as an ox and sharp as someone half her age.”
Whilst Antony Cotton who plays camp knicker stitcher Sean Tully said; “I will remember her as the public will, as the unstoppable Blanche Hunt. Sharper than a velociraptor with a flick-knife.”
But how will YOU remember her?
Ruth. x
I was so upset to hear that Maggie Jones had passed away-her one liners were legendary and she
will be greatly missed on Corrie. Rest in peace Maggie and thanks for all the years you entertained C
your fans.