Funeral For Maggie Jones

The Coronation Street actress has been laid to rest in a beautiful and dignified service.

Classic scene, Maggie as Blanche Hunt (far left) with fellow Corrie stars Beverley Callard, Craig Charles, Anne Kirkbride and William Roach.

The funeral has taken place today for Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones who died after a short illness aged 75. ITV Granada’s Coronation Street press office said the service had been “beautiful and dignified.”

Not all cast and crew could attend due to recording commitments, however a minutes silence was held at the production studios in Manchester city centre. Maggie Jones’ funeral took place in London, where she lived when not recording the ITV soap opera.

Jones had resided in a hotel near the Granada production centre, where twice she had taken ill. The first time suffering a fall in 2008.

The service was attended by friends, family and some Corrie regulars. ITV Granada also confirmed that a memorial service will be held next year in Manchester for the actress. Early plans suggest the event will take place in February or March.

Maggie recorded her final scenes in October as battleaxe Blanche Hunt and the last was broadcast last week. This week on-screen daughter Deirdre revealed Blanche had gone away for a holiday. It hasn’t been decided as yet how the character will leave Weatherfield permanently.

The character of Blanche was seen first in the 1970s as an occational character before the role became regular for Jones in the 00s. Storylines over the years saw Blanche as a Duty Manager at the Rovers Return while Annie Walker was on holiday, pondering if son-in-law Ken had ‘turned gay’ while being left bemused by grandaugher Tracey having a baby to Roy Cropper who also later attempted to ‘steal’ her boyfriend.