Oh, and Jean Alexander was in Corrie, too

Jean Alexander, who played  Auntie Wainwright in Last of the Summer Wine has died at the age of 90.

The actress is more famously known as Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden  – but she always said her role in the comedy was the ‘absolute favourite part’ of her long career.

She joined in 1988, the year after leaving her iconic soap role, the playing money-grabbing junk shop owner. After a couple of guest appearances, she became a regular in 1992, remaining with the series until it ended  in 2010.

‘I loved her to bits,’ the actress said of the character. ‘She was just up my street. So funny and witty. Unfortunately Last of the Summer Wine wasn’t enough for nowadays’

Her other comedy roles included playing a grandmother in the 1991  Patricia Hodge sitcom Rich Tea and Sympathy; and smaller roles in the Gwen Taylor sitcom Barbara and Norman Lovett’s I, Lovett

Alexander died peacefully in Southport  hospital on Friday, her niece Sonia Hearld said.

Published: 15 Oct 2016