Cheryl Murray, who played Suzie Birchall on Coronation Street, has died at the age of 71 and ITV has paid tribute to the actress, who also appeared in Hi-de-Hi!
Cheryl was known for her Corrie role (Image: No credit)
Corrie star Cheryl Murray has died aged 71.
ITV shared their heartfelt condolences: “We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Cheryl Murray, our thoughts are with her family and friends. Her vibrant portrayal of Gail’s best friend and Elsie Tanner’s lodger Suzie Birchall lived on in the memories of Coronation Street fans long after Suzie left the cobbles for the bright lights of London.”
Murray was a household name as the legendary Suzie Birchall in Corrie from 1977 to 1979, returning for another stint in 1983.
Not just a Corrie legend, Cheryl also starred alongside Billie Whitelaw as the eldest sibling, and befriended Smiths super fan Lucette Henderson in Morrisseys classic Everyday Is Like Sunday vid. She didn’t just blaze screens in Weatherfield; Murray lit up other productions such as ‘Hi-de-Hi!, reports the Mirror.
Cheryl was known for her role on Coronation Street (Image: No credit)
Known for her fierce spirit, Cheryl was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but she soldiered on through her first MS attack right in the middle of her run on Corrie. Cheryl took her final bow from the acting world in 1998, a few years on from receiving the life-altering news.
Sharing her journey with MS, Cheryl said: “MS has never really stopped me doing anything. I get attacks about once a year when I have to go to bed for a few days but I have brilliant doctors who sort me out. Between times – apart from being careful with steps because my legs can be a bit wobbly sometimes – I don’t think about it very often. Truly, I don’t.”
ITV paid tribute to the actress (Image: Granada Television)
Cheryl initially thought she was suffering from a spinal virus during her first MS attack, which left her barely able to move and forced her to crawl to the phone for assistance.
“I was in bed in my flat in Manchester when I was suddenly woken up by a tremendous pain in my back, as though knives were being stabbed into me, and found I could barely move,” she recalled. In her desperation, she believed she was on the brink of death and crawled to the phone to dial Granada for help.”
