Praying for Blanche

Oct 15 2009 By Maureen Messent

SUPERB Maggie Jones who, at 75, delights us Corrie fans as Deidre’s mother Blanche, is said to be fighting for her life after illness struck.

I’ll miss her hugely.

Her character epitomises the strong Northern women on which the soap (sorry, “on-going social drama” as it’s now called) relied: Weatherfield’s men are a wimpy bunch, morally afraid of the steel petticoat.

Blanche’s one-liners are a joy to listen to.

“Good looks are crosses to bear,” she told her daughter at one stage. “You and Ken should be grateful.”

Then, on Liz McDonald’s passing on the cobbles: “Skirt no bigger than a belt and roots as dark as her soul.”

Her hobby was funeral-going, her first question to the bereaved at the crem door always: “Will there be food later?”

Say a prayer for Maggie.