Coronation Street and Bad Girls actress Maria Charles dies aged 93

2023-05-04

Coronation Street and Bad Girls star Maria Charles has died at the age of 93, it has been announced.

The actress found fame on the West End before going on to star in Agony as Bea Fisher, the mother of Maureen Lipman's character Jane Lucas.

She made numerous appearances on the sitcom between 1979 and 1981, returning for its sequel, Agony Again, in 1995.

She moved on to prison drama Bad Girls in 2002, where she played Noreen Briggs, before joining Coronation Street as Lina Thistlewood in 2005.

Maria's character was briefly in love with Ken Barlow as is probably most famous for a scene in which she walked in on Tyrone Dobbs and Maria Connor having sex.

Maria also made a name for herself on the big screen, landing a role as Mrs Reaper in 2007's Hot Fuzz.

Maria's cause of death is not yet known.

Maria's former Bad Girls co-star Nicole Faraday was amongst one of the first to pay tribute to the star, writing on Twitter: "R.I.P the lovely Maria Charles, who played feisty Noreen Biggs in both @BadGirlsTVShow and Bad Girls the Musical in the West End.

"She was so much fun, a true pro with a naughty glint in her eye. Such a long illustrious career and always so lovely to be around."

Actress Eva Fontaine also recalled working with Maria, writing: "Rest in Peace #MariaCharles. Wonderful memories of working with you on Ticking, my first 2hander standalone ep for #Doctors A real pleasure."

Meanwhile, a fan page for the TV series Secret Army penned: "Very saddened to hear of the death of #MariaCharles this morning. Such wonderful performances as Lisa’s Aunt Louise in #SecretArmy."

Fans have also been paying tribute to Maria on social media, with one writing: "RIP Maria Charles. She was fantastic in Bad Girls as Noreen Biggs. Great actress."

Another added: "RIP Maria Charles. A great star of the stage, but it was groundbreaking sitcom 'Agony' in 1979 where I first fell in love with her work. What a dreadful year 2023 is turning out to be!"

A third wrote: "I'm devastated to hear about Maria Charles. Absolutely loved her playing Jane's eccentric mum in Agony."

A final fan penned: "R.I.P. Maria Charles….the first woman to sing Sondheim’s “Ah Paree” in a London stage production of Follies (in the @CamMackLtd 1987 version at the Shaftesbury). Great comedienne. OG The Boyfriend, and so funny on telly with Maureen Lipman in Agony."

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