British actress Maggie Fox, known for her roles on Coronation Street and Shameless, has passed away following a “sudden accident”.
It is understood she was 58 when she died, reportedly passing with her loved ones surrounding her at home.
Sue Ryding, Fox’s comedy partner, announced the news on social media, writing that Fox’s family were “in a state of shock” after her passing.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Maggie Fox, my comedy partner of 40 years and co-Artistic Director of LipService. Maggie passed away yesterday with her family around her,” Ryding wrote on Tuesday night.
“Consequently, the Spring Tour of Chateau Ghoul has been cancelled. As you can imagine I am completely heartbroken.”
Ryding recalled how the pair first met as students studying drama at Bristol University in the 1970s and reflected on their relationship since.
“We were in a very serious production of Ibsen’s The Lady For the Sea but for some reason the audience was on the floor laughing. A tragedy for Ibsen (he was good at those) but the launch of an epic comedy partnership,” Ryding wrote.
“Our theatre company LipService was officially launched in 1985 and we have written 22 original comedies, touring all over the world, managing to have children in between!
“It’s notoriously difficult to present new work in theatre and we are really proud that we managed to do so and to build an audience for it.
“We are still all in a state of shock as this was very sudden following an accident.”
Ryding revealed that a digital version of their latest work, Chateau Ghoul, would be shared later in the year “in memory of Maggie”, as well as live events using archived footage.
She went on to thank their fans for supporting them over the years, promising that more details would come.
Really sorry to hear about the death of Lipservice’s Maggie Fox. I know how well loved she is in Manchester in particular. She will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/ooSeD3W0FB
— Rachel Fox (@therealdaftbear) March 22, 2022
Tributes to Fox soon emerged online from fans, colleagues and others in the theatre world, with many praising her talent and sending their thoughts to her family.
“So sad to hear the news about Maggie Fox,” theatre publicist Duncan Clarke wrote. “I had the pleasure of working with her & she was such a wonderful lady.
“Even had the honour of sharing the stage with her once in a cameo as a Ninja in the fab Jane Bond. My thoughts are with Sue & Maggie’s family.”
Maggie Fox. We completed a bathroom renovation for her last year and some other repairs round the house. Last time I saw her she was on the mend so I’m shocked by today’s news, I was actually next door to her today too. A really lovely woman. Thoughts to her husband and daughters
— James (@Stellify_J) March 22, 2022
“Heartbroke to read of the sudden passing of the incredible, hilarious Maggie Fox, who alongside Sue Ryding has entertained audiences since 1985,” one fan shared.
“I’ve been lucky enough to see you many times.
“I can’t even fathom the depth of devastation.”
It is with huge sadness that I announce the death of my comedy partner of 40 years Maggie Fox yesterday. I sat down and remembered certain moments in shows where the audience laughed so much we had to pause. Sometimes we laughed too! Full statement https://t.co/CzEA0QcTzZ pic.twitter.com/4wPvXMvZCd
— LipService Theatre (@LipServicetour) March 22, 2022
“Incredibly sad to hear this news about the brilliant Maggie Fox. Much love to Sue and their families x,” another wrote.
In addition to her role as Ruth Audsley on Coronation Street, Fox was known for her work in Reckless and The Forsyte Saga.
Image: LipService Theatre (Facebook)
This article first appeared on OverSixty.