Coronation Street fans were left devastated when one star of the ITV soap was found dead in her “dingy” flat, after being left penniless. Louise Duprey made her name as Amy Nelson in 25 episodes of the Weatherfield-based soap, as well as starring in shows like One Foot in the Grave and September Song. But in 2000, her life ended in tragedy.
Her character Amy was best known for her marriage to supermarket worker Andy McDonald, played by Nick Cochrane. They were intended to have the first ever mixed race wedding on the soap, but in real life Louise was struggling behind the scenes, and suffered a nervous breakdown which caused her to leave the soap.
Eventually her character was recast, with Spice Girls star Mel B stepping into the role for her final ever scene, but wasn’t clearly shown on camera.
Louise had become a recluse, according to her neighbours, and was living in a rented first-floor flat close to student accommodation in Mossle Hill, Liverpool, at the time of her death.
She was just 42 years old, and her body was thought to have been left for several days before housing association staff became concerned. Police were called after they realised post was piling up behind her door.
Louise was suspected to have died of a drug overdose and cops didn’t treat her death as suspicious.
A Corrie source at the time told The Mirror: “Louise’s death is very sad news. She was a lovely girl and our deepest sympathy goes to all her family. Coronation Street had big plans for her character, but sadly it was never to be.
“If things had gone well there is no doubt that Louise could have still been in the programme to this day. Amy was set to explore the racial marriage avenue and it was a big subject for us back in 1993.
Louise herself said she “couldn’t switch off” after leaving the soap, admitting: “I was simply worn out after working eight months solid. After leaving I am trying to take each day as it comes.”
She left behind a daughter, Marcelle, also an actress famous for appearing in shows like Silent Witness and Casualty.