Stephanie Cole, Star of Coronation Street and Open All Hours, Dies at 84

Stephanie Cole, OBE, a beloved British actress known for her roles in "Coronation Street" and "Still Open All Hours," has died at the age of 84. Her agent announced her passing on Friday, stating that Cole had been living with Alzheimer's disease for several years.

Cole's career spanned decades, beginning on stage at 17. She became a household name for her portrayal of Mrs. Delphine Featherstone, also known as 'The Black Widow,' in the popular sitcom "Open All Hours" and its sequel "Still Open All Hours." Her character, a regular customer with a penchant for penny-pinching and a quick wit, appeared in 10 episodes of the original series between 1982 and 1985 and continued her sparring with Granville in all 41 episodes of the sequel from 2013 to 2019.

Her extensive television credits also include "Tenko," "A Bit of a Do," "Keeping Mum," and "Man Down." Cole received critical acclaim for her role as Joan Norton in the ITV series "Doc Martin" from 2004 to 2009, and later starred as Marion in the BBC sitcom "Scarborough."

In the realm of comedy awards, Cole won Best TV Actress at the 1992 British Comedy Awards for her role in "Waiting For God." Her performance in "Coronation Street" earned her Best Comedy Performance at the 2012 British Soap Awards.

Cole's talent extended to the stage and more recent television work. In 2021, she appeared in the play "A Cold Supper Behind Harrods" and in the BBC sitcom "The Cleaner," where she played Vivienne Hosier, an aristocrat proud of her family's history.

Cole was appointed an OBE in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours. She was married twice; first to flight director Henry Marshall, with whom she had a daughter, and later to fellow actor Peter Birrell. Her agent noted her tireless work supporting mental health charities and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.