Coronation Street Dilys Watling Merle Baker
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Coronation Street: Dilys Watling dies, aged 78

Dilys died after a long illness

Coronation Street actress Dilys Watling has died at the age of 78 after suffering from a long illness.

Dilys, who played Merle Baker in the ITV soap in 1966, died on August 10.

Her brother Giles said in a tribute: “Dilys was a much-loved sister and was the eldest of five of us.

“She led the way and was a real trailblazer for the rest of us.

“She took Broadway by storm in the late 60s, playing the eponymous role of Georgy – and we were proud when she was nominated for a Tony Award.

Dilys played Merle Baker in Corrie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

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“She also released a couple of singles, including Don’t Say You Love Me, which made it into the charts in 1964.

“She was eccentric in many ways, but was always incredibly generous, warm and loving.

“In her last few days, she recounted stories of her life that we thought she had long-since forgotten.

“After a long illness, she passed away peacefully.”

After a long illness, she passed away peacefully.

Fans have also paid tribute to the actress.

Coronation Street: Dilys Watling

Dilys has died at the age of 78 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Dilys perused acting after leaving St Mary’s Convent School in Essex, going on to perform in theatre in Bristol Old Vic.

As well as her role in Coronation Street, Dilys also starred in The Two Ronnies and Morcambe & Wise.

Dilys appeared in the ITV soap in 1966 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

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She was also featured in Coronation Street’s spin-off Pardon The Expression, which followed the adventures of established cobbles character Leonard Swindley.

In 1970, she was nominated for a Tony Award for best leading actress after making her musical debut in Georgy on New York’s Broadway.

Want more spoilers from Coronation Street? Entertainment Daily has a dedicated Coronation Street spoilers section for you to get your fix before the latest episodes air.

Coronation Street usually airs on Mondays and Wednesdays 7.30pm and 8.30pm with an hour long episode at 7.30 on Fridays on ITV.

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Charlotte Rodrigues
Soap Contributor
Charlotte Rodrigues joined Entertainment Daily in April 2018, as Audience Engagement Executive. A huge soap fan, Charlotte then became Senior Soap Writer, delivering the latest storylines and spoilers to our followers.