Dilys Watling: Coronation Street actress dies aged 78

Coronation Street actress Dilys Watling has died aged 78 after a long illness.

Ms Watling, who was also known for starring in The Two Ronnies, famously played Merle Baker in Coronation Street in 1966.

She passed away on August 10, it was confirmed on Monday, at home in Clapham, south London.

The Tony Award-nominated actress had four half-siblings, including Conservative Clacton MP Giles Watling.

Mr Watling confirmed in a statement: “Dilys was a much-loved sister and was the eldest of the 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 1960s, playing the eponymous role of Georgy – and we were proud when she was nominated for a Tony Award.

“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.”

Ms Watling was born in 1943 in Buckinghamshire to parents Ion Rhys Jones and Patricia Hicks.

After the death of her father, the actress’s mother remarried Jack Watling - the biological father of her half-siblings.

Ms Watling had a son, Ion, who she shared with her former partner - Line of Duty actor Owen Teale. Her half-sister was Dr Who star Deborah Watling.

The star was also known for appearing in The Morecambe & Wise Show, Minder in 1994 and The Bill in 1991.

Her film credits included Calculated Risk in 1963 and 1967’s horror Theatre of Death.

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