Stephanie Cole: Tenko and Doc Martin actress dies aged 84

Solihul-born Cole, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, enjoyed a lengthy career that spanned TV, radio and film.

She was perhaps best known for playing the character Dr Beatrice Mason in the 1980s BBC wartime TV drama Tenko.

Cole played the aunt of Martin Clunes’s titular character in the ITV medical drama Doc Martin.

Her other notable roles included Keeping Mum, Waiting for God and Cabin Pressure.

She also played Roy Cropper’s mother in Coronation Street and appeared in the 2010s reboot Still Open All Hours.

Her last major TV role was appearing opposite Greg Davis in his BBC comedy series The Cleaner in 2021.

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