THE HAT SQUAD: LYNNE PERRIE

Former Coronation Street actress Lynne Perrie, who played Ivy Tilsley, has died at the age of 75. Perrie, who played the factory worker in the top-rated ITV1 soap from 1979 until 1994, died after suffering a stroke.

Born in Rotherham in 1931, Perrie was best known for the role of "Poison Ivy" Tilsley.

Her character was renowned for interfering, either in the factory politics of Mike Baldwin's business or in the personal lives of her son Brian Tilsley and his wife Gail.

Ivy Tilsley also had a sharp tongue and staunch Roman Catholic beliefs.

The strong-willed Ivy married taxi-driver Don Brennan in June 1988, before leaving the Street to live on a religious retreat.

Her character died off-screen a year after Perrie left the show in 1994.

Perrie later published a book on her time in the soap, entitled Secrets of the Street.

She also appeared as nosy residents association secretary Mrs Petty in the 1970s ITV Diana Dors sitcom Queenie's Castle.

A Granada Television spokeswoman said: "Lynne played one of the wonderful characters on the Street who will be remembered for years to come.

"Our sympathy goes to her family at this sad time."

Street co-star Liz Dawn, who plays Vera Duckworth, said Perrie was "always full of life and great fun to work with".

A statement released on behalf of Perrie's brother, actor Duggie Brown, said she died with her husband and son at her bedside.

The statement said: "Derek and Stephen were with her and she died peacefully."

TV SERIES
"Coronation Street" (1960) TV Series .... Ivy Tilsley/Brennan (1971-1994)
"Queenie's Castle" (1970) TV Series .... Miss Petty

TV GUEST APPEARANCES
"Play for Today"
- Leeds United (1974) TV Episode .... Mollie
"Follyfoot"
- Stryker's Good Deed (1971) TV Episode

BCnU....
Tele-Toby