Actor leads calls for town to build a statue of Jean
ASOUTHPORT actor is leading calls for a Jean Alexander statue to be built in the town. Ex-Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel said this would be the perfect way to remember the much-loved actress in the town she did so much for.
Andrew played Frank in the soap from 2010-2012.
He said: “She was so lovely, funny, unassuming. She took ‘soap acting’ to another level.”
Jean, who portrayed Corrie’s Hilda Ogden for more than 20 years, passed away in hospital just three days after her 90th birthday, and ITV bosses have described her character as “the earthy heart of the show”.
Jean had a strong connection to Southport. She campaigned tirelessly for the town’s library to have a new home while it – the ‘focal point of Lord Street’ – was closed for refurbishment.
And, thanks to her, in 2010, the library moved to a temporary home in the former Southport Visiter office on Tulketh Street.
Andrew Lancel said: “She so deserves to be remembered; a wonderful lady and actress. It’s been so touching to see the outpour of loving tributes since she passed.
“When I got the part of Frank, I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone for ages – but I changed my Facebook profile picture to Hilda as a sneaky clue, because for me, and many others, she symbolised the Street.”
A statue of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise was unveiled just up the coast from Southport, in Blackpool, the week before last.
The comedy act were immortalised in an eight-foot bronze statue to mark the 75th anniversary of Morecambe and Wise first appearing on stage together, in 1941.
And now people in Southport are showing their enthusiasm for a similar tribute to be built in Southport to celebrate the star fondly remembered as Britain’s greatest soap star.
Stuart Isenberg said: “Southport has connections with many famous personalities, equally as well known, including Dora Bryan, Anthony Quayle, Miranda Richardson and Lee Mack. But Jean proved especially popular as she was so friendly and ready to stop and chat.”
Keith Robinette said: “Jean and her mother lived down Sefton Street in Southport many years ago. She lived in Southport nearly all her life, longer than anywere else. I think it’s a nice idea.”
Valerie Watts said: “Please, not a statue with her rollers in, I’m sure she wouldn’t like that as she liked to be smart off screen.”
Susan Stacey said: “Fantastic idea. It would be very fitting to have it displayed in the library as Jean helped to save the library.”
Graham Whitehead said: “Absolutely yes. A lovely lady who did a lot for this town.”
Do you think a Jean Alexander statue should be built in Southport? Email us at: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk