'Coronation Street' Veteran Maggie Jones Dies at 75

By Chris Jancelewicz Posted Dec 3rd 2009 10:02AM

Maggie Jones, the British actress who played the sharp-tongued Blanche Hunt on 'Coronation Street', has died at the age of 75.

Jones died in her sleep on Wednesday, according to the maker of the long-running British soap. She had been recovering from an operation she had in October.

Jones was a favourite among 'Coronation Street' fans for her withering one-liners and meddlesome ways as the mother of Deirdre and mother-in-law of Ken Barlow, played by Anne Kirkbride and William Roache.

Jones' first appearance in 'Coronation Street' was a bit part in 1961, but she created the character of Blanche Hunt in 1974.

She was a regular member of the cast until 1976, then returned again in 1999, remaining with the show until October of this year.

Fellow 'Corrie' actor Ken Roache, who played her son-in-law Ken Barlow, paid homage to her by adding:

'I don't think Maggie ever realized 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."

He also added that she was a "brilliant actress" and a "tower of strength...mentally strong as an ox."

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