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Corrie star Dilys Watling dies age 78 after suffering long illness

Coronation Street and The Two Ronnies star Dilys Watling has died at the age of 78 after suffering from a long illness.

Dilys was a Tony Award nominated actress and famously Merle Baker in Coronation Street in 1966. She passed away on August 10.

Dilys has four half-siblings, including the late Dr Who actress Deborah Watling - who passed away in 2017 - and Clacton MP Giles Watling.

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Giles 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.' 

Reference: Daily Mail: Aisha Nozari For Mailonline