Maggie Jones' memorial service at Salford Cathedral

The life of Coronation Street actress Maggie Hunt, who played Blanche Hunt, will be celebrated in a public memorial service on Thursday 25th February. The service will feature special recitals and readings by cast members, alongside a personal address by actor William Roache. Filming on the Corrie set will be suspended for the afternoon to allow cast and crew to attend.

Coronation Street Producer, Kim Crowther, said: "Maggie was such a wonderful character in real life, and just as unforgettable as her alter-ego Blanche. Still missed greatly by cast and crew, we always planned to give everybody the chance to celebrate Maggie's life, both on and off the street. Thursday is not just for the people that worked with her and knew her well, but also for the public who adored her - never less than when she was 'charming' the nation with her sharpest put down!"

Viewers will hear of Blanche’s death in May, and on screen the residents of the street will gather for her funeral, giving fans the chance to say one last goodbye.