ITV's Corrie's original Blanche actress only appeared in two episodes before tragic death
Despite the late Maggie Jones starring as Blanche on Coronation Street, she was not cast as the original character.
Coronation Street has become one of Britain’s most loved soap operas since airing back in 1960 and has seen countless characters take to the small screen including Blanche. But what loyal fans may have forgotten, is the iconic lady who was often spotted causing a stir down the cobbles was actually originally played by Patrica Cutts.
ITV had high hopes for the actress after they had cast her back in 1974. But after starring in just two episodes in August she was found dead in her flat, aged 45.
Patricia Cutts had starred in a series of television programmes before her role on Corrie. And was credited in the films North by Northwest (1959), Alfred Hitchcock Presents – Flight to the East (1958) and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour – Body in the Barn (1964).
She came from an arts dynasty after being the daughter of writer and director Graham Cutt. Meanwhile, her mother Robin Coles was also reported to have been an actor.
However, she was found dead in her London flat in September 1974, having taken an overdue of alcohol and barbiturates overdose. The inquest into her death resulted in a verdict of suicide.
Maggie Jones took over the role shortly after Patrica’s passing after wowing bosses with her talent.
Blanche is a comical character, being the mother of Deidre. She often shared witty remarks or played out a dramatic eye-rolling moment.
Back in 1961 Maggie, who died in 2009 aged 75, had first appeared on the show as a policewoman. Although she reprised the role fully in 1999 and became a full-time cast member.
She was acting up until her final months after being forced to step back from filming commitments, with her passing airing on Corrie mere days later.
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Maggie played Blanche for 25 years and the character became Coronation Street’s most recognised face with many stars mourning her death.
Her loved ones had hoped she would make a full recovery after she began to get better and seemed to of perked up, despite the operation.
Although things took a scary turn for the worse and she majorly deteriorated – it was said that she was comfortable and died peacefully in her sleep.
Maggie won several comedy awards for playing Blanche in 1974 and became famous for her barbed one-liners.
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