Eileen Mayers, Coronation Street Actress, Dies at 94
The actress, who portrayed Sheila Birtles on the long-running British soap opera, passed away on June 27, 2026.
Eileen Mayers, known for her role as Sheila Birtles on the television series Coronation Street, has died at the age of 94. The actress passed away on June 27, 2026.
Mayers played the factory worker character Sheila Birtles from 1960 to 1963 and again in the early 1970s. An announcement in The Times stated, "Sheila Birtles in Coronation Street between 1960-63, she is now 'resting' for ever. God bless."
Her acting career began at age 15 at the Oldham Repertory Theatre. Mayers appeared in 161 episodes of Coronation Street over 13 years.
During her time on the show, Mayers was involved in a storyline that was ultimately rewritten after it generated significant public backlash. Producers had initially planned for Sheila to take her own life following a difficult love affair, but the plot was leaked before airing, leading to a dramatic change.
Mayers discussed the controversy in the documentary "The Corrie Years," expressing disappointment that the episode did not air as intended. She recalled being met by journalists upon leaving Granada Studios after finishing work.
Outside of Coronation Street, Mayers also appeared in episodes of "Keep It In The Family" and "I'm Not Bothered."
Fans shared their condolences online, remembering her performance as Sheila Birtles and noting her passing with sadness.