Stephanie Cole, star of Coronation Street and Tenko, dies at 84

Stephanie Cole, the acclaimed British actress best known for her roles in Coronation Street, Tenko, and Doc Martin, has died at the age of 84. Her agent, John Grant, confirmed in a statement on behalf of her family that she passed away on Friday morning, September 18, 2026, after living with Alzheimer's disease for several years. Grant described Cole as 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 said. "She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities." The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Born Patricia Stephanie Cole in Solihull, Warwickshire, in 1941, she trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She made her stage debut at the age of 17, playing the elderly medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, a role she would later reprise in 2004 when the play was revived at the West End's Savoy Theatre. Cole's television career spanned decades. She gained widespread recognition in the 1980s for her role as Dr.