Rovers’ first star barmaid Doreen dies
Street’s tribute to ‘very special actor’
ACTRESS Doreen Keogh, who played the first barmaid in Coronation Street, has died aged 91.
ITV bosses paid tribute to Doreen, who first appeared as Concepta Regan in the soap’s fifth episode in 1960.
John Whiston, of ITV Studios, said as the first Rovers Return barmaid, Doreen had a “unique place not just in the history of the show but in the affection of all who watch”.
And John added: “Together with our audience we mourn the passing of a very special actor.”
The Irish actress, better known in recent years for her role as neighbour Mary Carroll in The Royle Family, died in hospital in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, on New Year’s Eve after a long illness, and is survived by her husband, Jack Jenner. In a statement, her nephews and niece, Laurence, Matthew and Christina Keogh, spoke of Doreen’s roles in “prominent TV series”, including Father Ted, Cold Feet, Crossroads and Z Cars. She was also in musical Darling Lili with Julie Andrews and Rock Hudson. Although born in Dublin, she coached Barbra Streisand in a cockney accent for On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.
I’m relatively well known for being married to Jamie, but also now people recognise me for all the charity work I do REBEKAH DURING HER TIME IN THE I’M A CELEBRITY JUNGLE