Coronation Street's Cheryl Murray dies as ITV pay tribute to 'vibrant' star

Coronation Street star Cheryl Murray has died aged 71, with ITV confirming the news in a heartbreaking statement

Coronation Street star Cheryl Murray has died aged 71.

ITV said in a statement: "We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Cheryl Murray, our thoughts are with her family and friends. Her vibrant portrayal of Gail's best friend and Elsie Tanner's lodger Suzie Birchall lived on in the memories of Coronation Street fans long after Suzie left the cobbles for the bright lights of London."

The actress was best known for her portrayal as Suzie Birchall on Coronation Street between 1977 and 1979, with the star returning in 1983. Her death comes six years after she played the character - who is Gail Potter's best friend - on the cobbles. Cheryl also played the eldest daughter of Billie Whitelaw and sister of Smiths fan Lucette Henderson in Morrissey's Everyday Is Like Sunday video.

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She was also known for her appearance in Hi-de-Hi! as Joan Wainwright in the fourth series and as Gillian in the 80s BBC comedy series Sorry! She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and had her first MS attack while working on the set of Coronation Street. She ended up retiring from acting in 1998 a few years after her diagnosis.

The actress spoke about her diagnosis on many occasions. She said: "MS has never really stopped me doing anything. I get attacks about once a year when I have to go to bed for a few days but I have brilliant doctors who sort me out. Between times - apart from being careful with steps because my legs can be a bit wobbly sometimes - I don't think about it very often. Truly, I don't."

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