Coronation Street actress Joan Savage dies aged 89 after a career spanning six decades

Coronation Street actress Joan Savage has passed away at the age of 89 after a career spanning six decades.

Blackpool-born Joan played Celeste Pickersgill in the soap for five episodes in 2000, the dance partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden.

The actress also appeared in an episode of Dad’s Army in 1972 and made multiple appearances in The Arthur Haynes Show between 1956 and 1962.

Joan’s cause of death has not been announced but her family revealed she passed away peacefully at Brinsworth House, Twickenham.

Legend: Coronation Street actress Joan Savage has sadly passed away at the age of 89 after a career spanning six decades (pictured in 1958)

Corrie: Blackpool-born Joan starred as Celeste Pickersgill in the soap, the dance partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden

Corrie: Blackpool-born Joan starred as Celeste Pickersgill in the soap, the dance partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden

Short stint: Joan played the ballroom dancer for just five episodes in 2000, but left a lasting impression on fans

Short stint: Joan played the ballroom dancer for just five episodes in 2000, but left a lasting impression on fans

Joan leaves behind her husband Bryan, daughter Kelly and grandsons Mark and Simon. 

Kelly said in a statement: ‘Mum always used to say “I’d like to go with my tap shoes on’ so the last few years have been extremely difficult for her and us as a family. 

‘I hope she’s reunited with her showbiz contemporaries and putting on a show up there!’

As a child, Joan follow her father Norman Savage, a comedian, around the Northern club circuit.

When Joan was 12 she joined the famous Children’s Tower Ballet and Blackpool Tower Circus.

It was there she met performer Ken Morris, whom she married in 1955, and the two formed a double act. 

They became household names, going on to star in The Arthur Haynes Show together and release multiple singles.

Joan and Ken also appeared in numerous adverts and other big shows such as Hi Summer, The Black and White Minstrel Show, and The Jack Jackson Show.

Former co-star: Blackpool-born Joan played the partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden (pictured) in Coronation Street

Former co-star: Blackpool-born Joan played the partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden (pictured) in Coronation Street 

Joan and Ken were together for several years. 

In 1960, they welcomed daughter Kelly and later performed at the London Palladium with former boss Arthur Haynes and others.

Sadly, Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died not long afterwards in 1968, leaving Joan a widow until she met Bryan.

Joan enjoyed a 60-year career across film, television, and stage. 

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