Public memorial planned for Corrie's Jones

A public memorial service for the late Coronation Street star Maggie Jones will be held in Salford next week.

The actress's life and career will be celebrated at Salford Cathedral on Thursday at 2pm in a service which will be open to all.

Coronation Street filming will be suspended for the afternoon to allow cast and crew to attend. Bill Roache, who plays Jones's screen son-in-law Ken Barlow, has agreed to give a personal address.

Jones, best known for her role as Weatherfield battleaxe Blanche Hunt, passed away last December following a period of ill health.

Speaking of the planned service, Corrie's series producer Kim Crowther commented: "Maggie was such a wonderful character in real life, and just as unforgettable as her alter ego Blanche. Still missed greatly by cast and crew, we always planned to give everybody the chance to celebrate Maggie's life, both on and off the Street.

"Thursday is not just for the people that worked with her and knew her well, but also for the public who adored her - never less than when she was 'charming' the nation with her sharpest put-down!"

Blanche will get an on-screen send-off later this year after the character passes away. The acid-tongued favourite is currently enjoying a Portuguese holiday in the soap.