Jean Fergusson death: Last of the Summer Wine and Coronation Street actor dies aged 74

Jean Fergusson, best known for playing the character Marina in Last of the Summer Wine for 25 years, had died at the age of 74.

A statement from her agents, Scott Marshall Partners, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of actress Jean Fergusson, known to millions as flirtatious Marina in the long-running BBC comedy Last of the Summer Wine.”

Fergusson played the character in 216 episodes of the show from 1985.

She also appeared in numerous different roles in Coronation Street, having most recently played the part of Dorothy Hoyle until 2011.

Fergusson also had a successful stage career and was nominated for an Olivier award in 1998 for playing entertainer Hylda Baker.

Comedy actor Vicki Michelle of 'Allo 'Allo fame paid tribute to Fergusson, calling her a “lovely lady” and a “fabulous actress”.

Ben Stock, an actor and friend of Fergusson's, added: "Like many friends, I’m so sad at the passing of dear Jean Fergusson. Always the first to book tickets, she was such a supportive friend."

Fergusson’s death comes following that of her Last of the Summer Wine co-star Juliette Kaplan, who died aged 80 in October.