Stephanie Cole has passed away at the age of 84. As reported by Sky News, she was most well known for her roles in Tenko and Coronation Street.
Her agent confirmed that she had been living with Alzheimer's "for a number of years".
He also released a statement on behalf of the actress' family. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE."
He continued by explaining she "was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television."
"She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama," he added. "She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities."
His statement concluded by asking for "privacy" for the family.
The beloved soap actress received the honor of an Order of the British Empire for her work in the arts.
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The Beloved Soap Actress Performed on a Hit Show
Cole was most well known for her breakout performance on Tenko, an '80s drama set in wartime Singapore. It follows the lives of British women interred by the Japanese during World War II.
In the book Remembering Tenko by Andy Priestner (available to buy here), which chronicled the series' production, the beloved soap actress recalled a time on set but away from the cameras that really stuck with her.
For context, the show was conducted with the help of Molly Turner, a real veteran of the Japanese internment camps.
She recalled, "So Molly was sitting in the Dorset sunshine, surrounded by an exact replica of what she had been surrounded by when she was a girl, with a group of women, talking about women's things—we weren't talking about Molly's experiences, just passing the time together."
"Three extras—young Chinese waiters from the local Bournemouth restaurants—wearing their costumes as Japanese guards, came into the compound and silently walked past us."
"As they came into her peripheral vision, Molly leapt to her feet and bowed. It was a purely instinctive reaction; it was shiver-making—if you needed to know what it was like—that told you everything."
May she rest in peace.
