Stephanie Cole passes away (1941 - 2026) (UK) - UK News - 18/Sep/2026

Actress Stephanie Cole, known for roles in Tenko, Open All Hours and Coronation Street, has died aged 84. (5 October 1941 - 18 September 2026). A statement from her agent John Grant, issued on behalf of her family, confirmed the actress had been living with Alzheimer's for several years. "Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television," the statement read. "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." Solihull-born Cole, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, after making her stage debut at the age of 17 – playing the 90-year-old medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit. She went on to enjoy a lengthy career that spanned TV, radio and film and was perhaps best known for playing Dr Beatrice Mason in the 1980s BBC wartime TV drama Tenko. The series chronicled the lives of British women in Singapore after the Japanese invasion and their consequent confinement in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Cole, in her breakout role, played a doctor who struggled to look after the women's health, opposite Ann Bell and Claire Oberman. During this same period, Cole also played the moody customer Mrs Delphine Featherstone, aka "The Black Widow" in the Ronnie Barker-starring Open All Hours. She would go on to win the award for best TV comedy actress for her part as the sharp-tongued photojournalist Diana Trent in Waiting For God. But she cited her earlier performance as Muriel in Alan Bennett's monologue Soldiering On, as one of her proudest moments. The series also starred Maggie Smith and Julie Walters. Her stage highlight, by her account, was in a West End production of A Passionate Woman. There is an 'Obituaries' playlist on this channel under "People (& famous animals) - Obituaries (2016+)" here:    • People (& famous animals) - Obituaries (20...   #stephaniecole #RIP #Obituary Wikipedia: Patricia Stephanie Cole was an English stage, television, radio, and film actress, known for high-profile roles in shows such as Tenko, Open All Hours, A Bit of a Do, Waiting for God, Keeping Mum, Doc Martin, Ed Reardon's Week, Cabin Pressure, Coronation Street, Still Open All Hours, and Man Down