Corrie cast pay tribute to Maggie Jones

The cast of Coronation Street have begun to pay tribute to Weatherfield legend Maggie Jones.

The 75-year-old actress, who played Blanche Hunt on the ITV soap, passed away in hospital earlier today after losing a long battle with illness.

Katherine Kelly, who portrays barmaid Becky McDonald, said: “Our Maggie is irreplaceable. No words can truly describe how fabulous she was. I feel blessed to have known her."

Sean Tully, actor Antony Cotton, commented: "I am absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Maggie. I will remember her as a friend and a colleague - a brilliant woman - smart, honest and laugh-out-loud funny. But I will also remember her as the public will - as the unstoppable Blanche Hunt. Sharper than a Velociraptor with a flick knife, she always said just what you wanted to hear. "

He added: "In Coronation Street, with the bright lights of Weatherfield all competing to illuminate the Rovers Return, there was Maggie as Blanche - a laser beam. We'll miss you, kid."

Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: "Maggie was a big part of the Barlow family and a brilliant actress. She was a tower of strength, physically frail but mentally strong as an ox and sharp as someone half her age. She had an amazing dry wit and was as funny if not funnier than Blanche. We were great crossword partners, we sat through Tracy's trial scenes doing the crossword together.

"I don't think Maggie ever realised how much she was loved not only by everyone on the show but by the millions of Blanche fans out there. She will be greatly missed."

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts stated: "Maggie was a much-loved colleague and a wonderful actress who turned Blanche into a true Coronation Street icon. She will be hugely missed by Coronation Street's many millions of viewers and by everyone who works on Coronation Street. Our thoughts and prayers go to Maggie's sister Joan at this very sad time."

Jones's agent Katie Threlfall said: "Maggie was a rare treasure; incredibly kind, honest and loved by so many.  It has been such a privilege to work with her, and we will miss her dearly."

> Corrie star Maggie Jones dies, aged 75
> In Pictures: Maggie Jones's Corrie career
> A look back at some classic Blanchisms
> Click here to leave your tributes on the forum