Coronation Street star Maggie Jones (second left), best known for her role in the soap as acid-tongued Blanche Hunt, has died at the age of 75.
Blanche lived with her daughter Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) and husband Ken (William Roache). She was often involved in their marital arguments, offering them both withering put-downs.
Blanche and her friends Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) and Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) often gave some light relief on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield during some serious storylines.
Roache paid tribute to Jones as "a brilliant actress" who had an "amazing dry wit".
Blanche could always be relied upon to deliver the harsh truth to friends and family.
Jones first appeared as Blanche in the ITV soap 35 years ago. She also played different characters in the show on two separate occasions. Her first appearance was as a policewoman in 1961.
In her last ever scene, which was broadcast on 20 November, she got drunk and revealed some home truths at a family gathering.
Blanche was written out of the show when Jones underwent surgery in October.
In 2005 and 2008, she won British Soap Awards for best comedy performance.
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