// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
Tenko and Coronation Street actress Stephanie Cole dies aged 84
Actress Stephanie Cole, known for roles in Tenko, Open All Hours and Coronation Street, has died aged 84.
A statement from her agent John Grant, issued on behalf of her family, confirmed the actress had been living with Alzheimer's for several years.
"Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television," the statement read.
"She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities."
Cole's credits included a role opposite Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack
Cole appeared opposite David Jason once again in the 2010s reboot Still Open All Hours
Solihull-born Cole, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, after making her stage debut at the age of 17 – playing the 90-year-old medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit.
She went on to enjoy a lengthy career that spanned TV, radio and film and was perhaps best known for playing Dr Beatrice Mason in the 1980s BBC wartime TV drama Tenko.
The series chronicled the lives of British women in Singapore after the Japanese invasion and their consequent confinement in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
Cole, in her breakout role, played a doctor who struggled to look after the women's health, opposite Ann Bell and Claire Oberman.