Tributes pour in for late Corrie star Jean Alexander

Tributes have poured in for former Coronation Street star Jean Alexander who died on Friday (14 October).

Alexander played one of the soap's most iconic characters Hilda Ogden from 1964 to 1987. Her niece confirmed she died peacefully in hospital aged 90.

Since her passing, dozens of current and former 'Corrie' stars have expressed their admiration and condolence for the icon.

William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow and has been in Coronation Street since its first episode in 1960, was one of those to pay tribute.

"Jean created one of the most iconic Coronation Street characters in Hilda Ogden," he told the BBC.

"She could make you laugh, particularly with Hilda's comedy singing, but she could also deliver incredibly moving performances and make you cry. She was a wonderful actress."

Michael Le Vell, said he was shocked to hear of the death and described Alexander as "the biggest iconic soap character to walk the planet".

"My proudest and most exciting moment on the show was when Kevin and Sally moved in with Hilda as it meant I would have loads of scenes with her.

"She was such a warm, caring person and a joy to work with. She was also great fun. We used to watch snooker in the green room with her as she loved snooker.

"For such an iconic character she was always one of the first people to make a new arrival feel so welcome."

Alexander was so loved on Coronation Street that when she announced she was quitting the soap, fans started a 'Save Hilda!' campaign.

Daran Little, Coronation Street scriptwriter from 2000 to 2010, spoke of how Alexander had reinvented herself when she played the role of Hilda.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said: "I think the great thing about Jean playing Hilda is that Jean was absolutely nothing like Hilda — she was sophisticated and quiet, she was an ex-librarian, she used to love doing crosswords and she used to pad up coat hangers for charity.

"And when she put the curlers on, she became something else."

John Whiston, creative director at ITV, which is behind Coronation Street, told the outlet: "Hilda Ogden was the earthy heart of the show for very many years, and the brilliance of Jean as an actor was that she could shift from high comedy to deeply emotional and moving drama in a heartbeat.

"That takes real skill and real acting, but also real humanity. That is what the world has lost with her passing."

Several celebrities also paid tribute to Alexander on Twitter: