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Patricia Phoenix


Patricia Phoenix (November 26, 1924 - September 18, 1986) was a British actress. She was born Patricia Frederica Pilkington in Manchester.

She is most known for her role as Elsie Tanner , the devil-may-care divorcée who lived at No. 11 Coronation Street for many years. Phoenix was on the programme from 1960 to 1973 and from 1976 to 1983. Her character would become well-known for her fiery red hair, and was famously described by prime minister James Callaghan as "the sexiest thing on television". However, during her periods of absence from the Street, she failed in her attempts to find suitable alternative roles.

Her popularity gained her a part in the film The L-Shaped Room, starring alongside actress Leslie Caron. Her love life was also fodder for tabloid stories. She married her Corrie co-star Alan Browning , and both had alcoholism problems. Later she married actor Anthony Booth. By this final marriage, Patricia became the stepmother of Cherie Blair and mother-in-law of Tony Blair.

Her marriage to Booth came just days before she died of lung cancer.



Last updated: 02-07-2005 15:37:54
Last updated: 04-25-2005 03:06:01