Coronation Street and BBC variety star Sheila Bernette dies aged 94
The actress played Sister Delaney in Coronation Street in the 1970s.
Former Coronation Street actress Sheila Bernette has died at the age of 94.
The veteran actress, who was known for starring in Coronation Street and the BBC variety show Good Old Days, enjoyed a prolific career starring alongside the likes of Tommy Cooper, Sir David Jason and Morecambe and Wise.
The news of her passing was announced by the Royal Variety Charity, which cares for elderly people who have served in the entertainment industry.
They said in a statement (via the Mirror): "Sheila will be very much missed by many of those who worked with her and those from the wider theatrical family."
Born to Italian parents in London, Bernette's real name was Sheila Poncini and she rose to fame on Good Old Days, which she starred in between 1968 and 1983. The show featured modern-day performers recreating the atmosphere of the Victorian and Edwardian music hall with songs and sketches of the era.
Bernette went on to play Sister Delaney in Coronation Street in the 1970s, while she also starred in the UK version of comedy series Candid Camera. She also appeared in the 1970s Royal Variety Performance.
The actress also had a number of film roles over the years including Three For All and Driving Aphrodite, as well as the 1986 comedy Car Trouble, in which she starred alongside such British thespians as Julie Walters and Ian Charleson.
Between 2008 and 2011, Bernette starred on CBBC show Hotel Trubble, in which she played hotel guest Mrs Poshington. Her final film role was in Driving Aphrodite in 2009.
In addition to her TV and film roles, Bernette was also a regular performer at the Players' Theatre in London's Covent Garden.
Actor and friend Peter Kosta paid tribute to Bernette following the tragic news of her passing.
He said (via The Sun): "I was looking for digs, and Sheila said: 'Well, if you’re clean, I have a spare room in my house.' She always supported me in everything that I wanted to do, and always came to see me in everything I did, whenever she could. I have extremely fond memories of her."
He recalled seeing her shortly before her passing, saying: "I saw her for nearly two hours, and we were talking about the good old days."
He added that she was "very funny" and "very feisty".
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Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
