Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden, has died

(This post was originally posted by Ruth Owen on the Coronation Street Blog in October 2016, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Very sad to have just heard that Jean Alexander who played Hilda Ogden died today. She was 90 years old and was taken to hospital on Tuesday.

Hilda is surely one of the most iconic women to appear in any soap opera, or indeed any television show. In a poll in the1980s to find the most recognisable woman in Britain, Hilda came in 4th, after the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Diana.

The scene, after Stan's death, when Hilda comes home from the hospital and puts his glasses on the table, then weeps uncontrollably, has to be one of the most tender and poignant moments in TV history.

On her departure from Weatherfield, 27 million viewers tuned in to see her on her way to a new life as housekeeper to Doctor Lowther.

Thank you, Jean Alexander for portraying Hilda so brilliantly.

May you rest peacefully.



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