In her two years on the cobbles, Stephanie 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 her passing is deeply sad. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fKvmcg0F7e
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) September 18, 2026
“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.”
One fan penned on X: “RIP Stephanie Cole, a superb actress in classics like Coronation Street and Doc Martin. RIP.”
A supporter on Facebook typed: “What a sad loss to the acting industry. Great lady.”
And another follower on the social media platform wrote: “So very sad xx what a wonderful lady. Brilliant actress. God bless x (sic).”
Born Patricia Stephanie Cole in Solihull, Warwickshire, on October 5, 1941, the star trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 1958 to 1960 before she worked in repertory theatres around the UK.
She made her stage debut aged 17, playing elderly medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit – she reprised the same role in 2004 when the play was revived at the West End’s Savoy Theatre.
Cole was known for playing memorable older characters, and she rose to prominence as Dr Beatrice “Bea” Mason in the 1980s BBC drama, Tenko.
Also that decade, she became a familiar face in the corporation’s sitcom Open All Hours, playing Mrs Delphine Featherstone, known as the “Black Widow” – a role she reprised in its reboot, Still Open All Hours.
Cole won the 1992 British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress for her role as pensioner Diana Trent in the BBC’s 1990s sitcom, Waiting for God.
Later in her career, she played Joan Norton in the ITV comedy-drama Doc Martin, as well as Sylvia Goodwin, Roy Cropper’s (David Neilson’s) mum, in the broadcaster’s soap, Coronation Street.
In 2005, she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the late Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours List for services to drama, the elderly and mental health charities.
Cole was an Ambassador for the medical charity Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal.
In 2006, she was voted Solihull’s favourite Silhillian in a competition run by Solihull Council, beating The Office’s Lucy Davis, 53, former Top Gear host Richard Hammond, 56, and 56-year-old retired rugby union player and coach, Martin Johnson.
In 1973, Stephanie married fight director Henry Marshall, and they welcomed a daughter named Emma that year.
The pair divorced in 1988, and Cole went on to marry actor Peter Birrell 10 years later.
He died in 2004.
– Bang Showbiz