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Post by Kimmy on Sept 28, 2015 12:06:24 GMT
Frank Tyson, who has died aged 85, probably bowled as fast a ball as any cricketer who has ever played, and inevitably he attracted the nickname “Typhoon”. His domination at international level was fleeting, with one Test series for England memorable for his performance alone: in Australia in 1954-55. To him and to all who marvelled at his pace in that Ashes encounter, that spectacle was worth much more than any long workaday career. When Tyson returned to Australia four years later, the phenomenal edge of speed had gone and he was just an average quick bowler, to be remembered as the balding, muscular academic who had spearheaded Len Hutton’s dramatic retention of the Ashes following England’s ominous thrashing in the opening Test match at Brisbane (Tyson 1 for 160).
Tyson was born in Farnworth, Lancashire, and educated at Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school, Middleton, before taking an English literature degree at Durham University. He followed a fellow Lancastrian, Keith Andrew, a high-class wicketkeeper, down to Northamptonshire, and made his debut in 1952. Tyson’s first headline came when the county hosted the 1953 Australian touring team. On that bland pitch, he bruised flesh and battered gloves. Word spread fast that here was something out of the ordinary. The following year brought his Test debut, when a complacent England suffered an unexpected defeat by Pakistan at the Oval, Tyson taking four top-order wickets in a low-scoring match. Soon he and Andrew were on the ship to Australia.
The turnaround of that 1954-55 series came at Sydney in the second Test. A thoughtful man, Tyson had equipped himself with robust boots modelled on those worn by the prewar tearaway Harold Larwood, and he accepted advice to shorten his absurdly lengthy run-up. England’s famous triumph came after Tyson, batting at No 7, had been knocked unconscious by a bouncer from Ray Lindwall on the opening day, payback for some short stuff Tyson had flung at Australia’s fast-bowling ace in the preceding Test. Shocked at the sight of the prone figure of Tyson, a large bump on the back of his skull, spectators could scarcely believe it next day when he bowled like lightning to take four wickets, then added six more in the second innings. With Brian Statham operating valiantly into the breeze, the Lancastrian pair sealed a 38-run victory on the fifth day. Some of the Australian batsmen had shown unmistakable signs of fear.
In the next Test, at Melbourne, Tyson was even more frightening, taking 7 for 27 on an untrustworthy pitch that had been illegally watered overnight. This second victory was followed by another at Adelaide that secured the Ashes for England and a kind of immortality for Tyson.
He played only another 11 Tests, finishing with 76 wickets at 18.56 in his 17 matches for England, of which only four were on his native soil. He knew that the physical strain of that “glad animal action”, as he called it, would tell against him. A somewhat serious man of some depth and wide interests, he was left with few regrets. With a career in teaching to pursue, having settled in Australia and married Ursula Miels, from Melbourne, he taught at Carey grammar school in that city, did some television commentary (with precise delivery, in the Rex Alston mould) for ABC and later Channel 9, and wrote extensively, including several books (one a history of Richmond Cricket Club, Victoria). He coached for the Victorian Cricket Association and also in India. Eventually he and Ursula and their family moved to Gold Coast, Queensland, where Tyson was able to share drinks with his old adversaries Bill Johnston and Ron Archer, coach the local club and take up oil painting as his glory days faded into history.
He retained fond memories of county cricket, of the years when lowly Northants fielded the lethal bowling pair of Tyson the tearaway and the Australian left-arm spin wizard George Tribe. In 161 Championship matches for the county from 1953 to 1960, Tyson took 509 wickets at 20.53, with best figures of 8 for 60 against Surrey at the Oval in 1957, which was his most productive summer (101 wickets at 21.47). In his 244 first-class matches, he took 767 wickets at 20.89. No precise record was kept of the number of batsmen’s fingers and ribs he broke. His average with the bat was 17.09, with a highest score of 82 against Sussex at Hove in 1960, a fortnight before the end of his explosive eight-year career.
Before Tyson, England produced bowlers of extreme and frightening pace in Charles Kortright in the late 1890s (although he played no tests) and Larwood. But there has been none since him.
Tyson wrote with an earnest style. In 2004, bolstered by his scrapbooks, he produced a fascinating retrospective of the 1954-55 tour (In the Eye of the Typhoon), while his 1961 autobiography, A Typhoon Called Tyson, stands out for quality of composition and expression. It closes with the following: “What power there is in bowling fast! What a sensation of omnipotence, and how great the gulf between this sublime sensation and ordinary, mundane everyday existence!”
He and Ursula had one son, Philip, two daughters, Anna and Sara, and eight grandchildren.
• Frank Holmes Tyson, cricketer, born 6 June 1930; died 27 September 2015
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Post by Old Timer on Sept 29, 2015 0:16:31 GMT
I remember watching him against the South Africans at Old Trafford in 1955, but being side on to the pitch all you saw was his release and the wicketkeeper taking the ball - the ball was actually too fast to see. It was not the most thrilling of days with the aptly named pair of McGlew and Waite occupying the crease.At least Tyson outlived both of them. RIP.
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Post by Kimmy on Oct 3, 2015 18:18:25 GMT
Former chancellor Denis Healey has died at the age of 98, his family has said.
Lord Healey was Labour's defence secretary from 1964 to 1970 and chancellor of the exchequer from 1974 to 1979 before becoming deputy party leader in opposition in 1980.
The former Leeds MP's family said he died peacefully at his Sussex home on Saturday, after a short illness.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "a Labour giant". The PM said he was a "huge figure of post-war politics".
BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said Lord Healey's death marked the end of an era in Labour's history.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 3, 2015 18:46:12 GMT
Oscar-winning writer and actor Colin Welland has died aged 81 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease, his family has announced.
Welland won an Oscar in 1982 for best original screenplay for writing the film Chariots of Fire, about two athletes at the 1924 Olympic Games.
He famously used his acceptance speech to declare: "The British are coming."
As an actor, he won a Bafta for playing the sympathetic English teacher Mr Farthing in Ken Loach's Kes in 1969. Chariots of Fire producer David Puttnam said Welland was "an unswervingly good man; a fine actor, and a seriously gifted screenwriter".
Lord Puttnam continued: "These gifts not only brought him most of the accolades TV and cinema can ever offer, but cemented the careers of everyone who rode on the back of his Chariots of Fire.
"The depth of his feelings, and sense of identity with the people he wrote about was achingly real."
Nigel Havers, who appeared in the film, told BBC News: "When he said the British were coming, it was ironic. It was a joke. That was his sense of humour. But people took him seriously.
"I remember him being great fun with a great sense of humour and a very honest man. He had a tremendous honesty about everything he wrote. I'm just very surprised he never made more films in Hollywood. It's a great loss to us all." Welland found fame in the early 1960s when he played PC David Graham in TV police serial Z Cars.
His Z Cars co-star Brian Blessed paid tribute, describing Welland as "a great writer and a very natural actor".
Blessed said: "He had a tremendous ability for writing. He could write anything, any style.
"And of course he was marvellous in [Dennis] Potter's play Blue Remembered Hills, playing a little tiny boy. An amazing performance. He was very versatile and immensely clever."
Fellow actor David Morrissey tweeted: "Colin Welland RIP. Such a great actor and writer. Kes is my all-time favourite film and he was so wonderful in it. So sad."
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Post by Old Timer on Nov 10, 2015 13:05:08 GMT
Pat Eddery: Former champion jockey dies aged 63
Eleven-time Flat racing champion jockey Pat Eddery has died at the age of 63.
Eddery, who rode more than 4,600 winners and won 14 British classics in a 36-year career, is regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time.
Among his most famous victories were the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe of 1986 on Dancing Brave.
Ireland-born Eddery, who retired in 2003 and was awarded an OBE in 2005, had been suffering from ill health.
Only Sir Gordon Richards has ridden more winners in Britain than Eddery.
'A true genius in the saddle'
AP McCoy, 20-time champion jump jockey, described Eddery as a "true genius in the saddle".
Eddery's successes also include Derby wins aboard Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982) and Quest For Fame (1990).
However, his performance aboard Dancing Brave in the 1986 Arc in one of the classiest fields assembled is widely regarded as one of the most memorable of his career.
Other famous victories include those on Pebbles at the Breeders' Cup, Silver Patriarch in the St Leger - his 4,000th winner - and Zafonic in the 2000 Guineas.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdullah, in whose silks Eddery had some of his greatest days, said: "It is extremely sad news.
"He spanned the greatest era for jockeys ever. Lester Piggott, Steve Cauthen, Willie Carson - all were exceptional yet Pat's ability was unquestioned."
'Tough, cool and a fun guy'
Eddery began a training career after his retirement, the highlight of which was a victory for Hearts Of Fire in a Group One race in Italy.
Former jockey Bruce Raymond described him as a "fun guy" and "ultra-competitive".
He said: "It's very sad. He'd been unwell for a long time. Everybody knows he was a great jockey.
"We travelled together. He was a good, fun guy and very generous.
"We used to play cards and have lots of fun. I can't imagine anyone being in his company and not enjoying it.
"He was blooming tough to ride against and cool. He would beat you in a photograph and laugh about it afterwards."
Analysis: Horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght
"For sports fans whose interest flourished in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Pat Eddery was a constant source of racing success along with Willie Carson and Steve Cauthen.
"Famous for his precision-judgement and a strong, 'busy' style, in rhythm with his mounts, during a close finish, Eddery's best-known success was on the great Dancing Brave in an high-class Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1986.
"I can still hear the commentator as they cut down their rivals late on: 'Here comes Dancing Brave, firing down the centre of the track.'"
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Post by Kimmy on Dec 19, 2015 14:51:17 GMT
Jimmy Hill has passed away at the 87 after battle with Alzheimer's
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Post by Kimmy on Dec 23, 2015 19:27:44 GMT
FORMER England and Arsenal coach Don Howe has died aged 80.
Howe made 379 appearances as a player for West Brom over 12 years before signing for the Gunners in 1964.
And he played 23 times for the Three Lions during his 14 year career.
When he retired as a footballer, the defender went on to become one of the most respected coaches in the history of the English game.
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Post by Old Timer on Dec 29, 2015 5:56:14 GMT
'Clown Prince of Basketball', Meadowlark Lemon, dies at age 83. Introducing so many people to the game around the world, Meadowlark Lemon was a long-time star of the Harlem Globetrotters. His awe-inspiring hook shots and on-court gags were a staple of the team's travelling show during his 24-year career. Lemon was a star player on the historically African-American team, as it played on tour through the racially-charged southern US, and on international trips. www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35191863
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Post by BC on Dec 29, 2015 19:25:57 GMT
'Clown Prince of Basketball', Meadowlark Lemon, dies at age 83. Introducing so many people to the game around the world, Meadowlark Lemon was a long-time star of the Harlem Globetrotters. His awe-inspiring hook shots and on-court gags were a staple of the team's travelling show during his 24-year career. Lemon was a star player on the historically African-American team, as it played on tour through the racially-charged southern US, and on international trips. www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35191863I went to see the Harlem Globetrotters when they visited London in the mid-70s and he was the star of the team then as I recall. I can't remember which arena it was though - probably one at Wembley. All quite a blur now. It seems like a lifetime ago, which I suppose it is.
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Post by Kimmy on Dec 29, 2015 20:57:53 GMT
'Clown Prince of Basketball', Meadowlark Lemon, dies at age 83. Introducing so many people to the game around the world, Meadowlark Lemon was a long-time star of the Harlem Globetrotters. His awe-inspiring hook shots and on-court gags were a staple of the team's travelling show during his 24-year career. Lemon was a star player on the historically African-American team, as it played on tour through the racially-charged southern US, and on international trips. www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35191863I went to see the Harlem Globetrotters when they visited London in the mid-70s and he was the star of the team then as I recall. I can't remember which arena it was though - probably one at Wembley. All quite a blur now. It seems like a lifetime ago, which I suppose it is. Remember watching them on TV several times years ago.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2016 11:31:08 GMT
BBC Radio 1 DJ and Crackerjack presenter Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart has died, aged 74, after a stroke. Born in Devon, Ed started his career with a stint at Radio Hong Kong as an announcer, film critic and rugby reporter. Five years later, he went on to work at pirate radio ship Radio London, moored four miles offshore. he started at Radio 1 in 1967, and worked on Top of the Pops in the 1970's. On television, he was a presenter on BBC's Junior Choice and Crackerjack.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2016 10:11:10 GMT
Singer David Bowie has died at the age of 69 from cancer. His son, film director Duncan Jones, confirmed the news and a statement was issued on his social media accounts. "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," it said. "While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 14, 2016 20:02:49 GMT
Alan Rickman, Harry Potter and Die Hard actor, dies aged 69
Actor Alan Rickman, known for films including Harry Potter, Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, has died at the age of 69, his family has said. The star had been suffering from cancer, a statement said. He became one of Britain's best-loved acting stars thanks to roles including Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films and Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Harry Potter author JK Rowling led the tributes, describing him as "a magnificent actor and a wonderful man".
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 31, 2016 10:00:32 GMT
Sir Terry Wogan has died of cancer at the age of 77, his family have confirmed.
The veteran broadcaster, renowned for his work on Radio 2's breakfast show and Children In Need, had a short illness.
A family statement, issued by the BBC, said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family.
"While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
Sir Terry had last appeared on the airwaves at the beginning of November, when he hosted a show for Radio 2.
Later that month, he pulled out of Children In Need for health reasons.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2016 20:11:01 GMT
The actor Frank Kelly, who was best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted, has died aged 77.
His death was announced on the anniversary of the death of Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted and who died of a heart attack on 28 February, 1998.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 17, 2016 10:07:37 GMT
BREAKING NEWS Television magician Paul Daniels has died, aged 77, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, his publicist says Paul Daniels: TV magician dies after brain tumour diagnosis
He was at his Berkshire home with wife Debbie McGee when he died in the early hours of Thursday. "Debbie and the family would like to thank everyone for their support and asks that their privacy be respected at this sad time," his publicist said. He fronted BBC's Paul Daniels Magic Show for 15 years and became one of the biggest stars on British TV.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 17, 2016 21:06:07 GMT
Cliff Michelmore, a familiar figure in BBC radio and TV broadcasting since the 1940s, has died in hospital aged 96. In a career spanning some 60 years, Michelmore anchored coverage of events including the Apollo moon landings and two general elections.
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Post by Old Timer on Mar 18, 2016 16:41:37 GMT
Thanks Kimmy, I missed the news on Cliff Michelmore - I remember him well!
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 24, 2016 18:35:32 GMT
The Holland football legend Johan Cruyff has died of cancer at the age of 68. The Dutchman, who on three occasions was voted the world player of the year, guided Holland to the World Cup final in 1974 and as a manager he spent eight years in charge of Barcelona.
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Post by Old Timer on Mar 25, 2016 12:57:42 GMT
Sad news indeed. I remember watching play in an exhibition match here (around 1979/80 I think) and from when he walked on the pitch he just oozed class. RIP
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 31, 2016 17:14:16 GMT
Ronnie Corbett, best known for The Two Ronnies, dies aged 85
Entertainer Ronnie Corbett, best known for BBC comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies, has died aged 85. His publicist said: "Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family. "They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time." Corbett was one of the UK's best-loved comedians and along with Ronnie Barker, their double act was one of the most successful of the 1970s and '80s. The entertainer had been suffering from ill-health for some time and had been in hospital in 2014 with gall bladder problems.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 20, 2016 17:33:46 GMT
Britain mourns the death of another beloved star: Tributes pour in to comedian Victoria Wood after she dies aged 62 at her London home surrounded by family following short battle with cancer Much-loved British comedian and writer died at her north London home after short but brave battle with cancer Her heartbroken family said the actress died 'peacefully' surrounded by her loved ones Tributes have been paid to her from around the country, with fellow stars calling her a 'humble genius' Wood's brother said her death 'has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation'
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 21, 2016 18:40:03 GMT
Prince has died aged 57 at his estate in Minnesota, just days after he was rushed to hospital from his private plane with severe flu.
Paramedics were called out to the music icon's Paisley Park estate at 9.43am and Carver County Sheriff's Department confirmed that there had been a fatality.
Prince's publicist later confirmed he had died. His cause of death is not known.
Prince - full name Prince Rogers Nelson - was rushed to hospital six days ago with flu symptoms after his private plane made an emergency landing.
The singer, who was known for his sexually charged lyrics and electric performances, made a final public appearance at a show on Sunday, where he did not sing, but said: 'Wait a few days before you waste any prayers'
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Post by Kimmy on May 2, 2016 17:34:56 GMT
The ventriloquist Keith Harris, who has died from cancer aged 67, designed and made more than 100 dummies during his career, but was most famous for creating Orville, the green duck who spoke in a high-pitched voice and wore a nappy held on by a gigantic safety pin. Such was his fame at a time when variety acts were the staple diet of many television programmes that he had his own Saturday evening series, The Keith Harris Show (1982-86).
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 4, 2016 8:05:32 GMT
Muhammad Ali dies aged 74: Greatest boxer of all time passes away with family at his side after being rushed to hospital with breathing problems following 32-year battle with Parkinson's Muhammad Ali has died aged 74 at a hospital outside Phoenix, Arizona, after a 32-year battle with Parkinson's Greatest boxer of all time was rushed to hospital on Thursday with breathing difficulties and an 'unshakeable cough' Doctors earlier warned the legendary boxer was just hours from death and his family were making funeral plans Ali's wife, Lonnie, and daughters were by his side during his 'very peaceful passing' late on Friday evening Three-time heavyweight world champion was considered the greatest boxer on Earth and also won Olympic gold His wins over Sonny Liston, the Thrilla in Manila & Rumble in the Jungle will be remembered - as well as his quotes Donald Trump was among the first to pay tribute to Ali, who he called 'a truly great champion and a wonderful guy' Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3624910/Muhammad-Ali-dies-aged-74-Legendary-boxer-passes-away-family-day-rushed-hospital-difficulty-breathing.html#ixzz4Ab0SRH5v Follow us: @mailonline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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Post by Kimmy on Jun 29, 2016 19:46:56 GMT
Scotty Moore, the pioneering rock guitarist whose sharp, graceful style helped Elvis Presley shape his revolutionary sound and inspired a generation of musicians that included Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and Bruce Springsteen, died on Tuesday. He was 84.
Moore died at his home in Nashville, said biographer James L Dickerson, who confirmed the death through a family friend. Dickerson called Moore and icon and said: “As a musician, I consider him one of the co-founders of rock’n’roll because of the guitar licks that he invented.”
Presley’s ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, echoed that sentiment in a statement: “Elvis loved Scotty dearly and treasured those amazing years together, both in the studio and on the road. Scotty was an amazing musician and a legend in his own right. The incredible music that Scotty and Elvis made together will live forever and influence generations to come.” Moore, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was the last survivor of a combo that included Presley, bassist Bill Black and producer Sam Phillips. Moore was a session musician when he and Black were thrown together with Presley on 5 July 1954, in the Memphis-based Sun Records studios. Presley was a self-effacing but determined teen anxious to make a record. Moore’s bright riffs and fluid solos were natural complements to Presley’s strumming rhythm guitar, and Black’s hard-slapping work on a standup bass gave Presley the foundation on which he developed the fresh blend of blues, gospel and country that came to be called rock’n’roll.
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Post by Kimmy on Jul 2, 2016 15:15:58 GMT
Comedian Caroline Aherne, who wrote and appeared in sitcom The Royle Family, has died at the age of 52. Aherne, who also starred in Mrs Merton, had suffered from cancer, her publicist said. The actress said two years ago that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, having previously had bladder and eye cancer. Aherne was also the narrator of Gogglebox and appeared in The Fast Show. Her publicist Neil Reading said on Saturday: "Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away, after a brave battle with cancer. "The Bafta award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52. "The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."
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Post by Kimmy on Sept 26, 2016 11:26:46 GMT
Arnold Palmer, one of golf's greatest players whose immense popularity drew a legion of fans to the game at the dawn of the age of televised sport, died of heart complications on Sunday. He was 87.
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Post by Old Timer on Sept 26, 2016 23:10:15 GMT
Wonderful golfer and great human being. That said, he enjoyed a full life and while he will be missed, it happens to us all eventually.
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Post by Kimmy on Oct 15, 2016 12:12:36 GMT
Jean Alexander, who played Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden and Auntie Wainwright in Last of the Summer Wine, has died aged 90. Alexander portrayed Hilda Ogden, a sharp-tongued, put-upon housewife who was one of Coronation Street's best known characters, from 1964 to 1987. She appeared as shopkeeper Auntie Wainwright, the "absolute favourite part" of her career, for 22 years. She died peacefully in hospital on Friday, her niece said. Alexander had been admitted to Southport hospital, Merseyside, for tests but was discharged after a couple of days and allowed to return to her nursing home, her niece Sonia Hearld said. But on Tuesday she was readmitted to hospital, three days before her death. "My aunt died sadly earlier today," Mrs Hearld, of Selby, North Yorkshire, said on Friday.
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