Coronation Street actress who played the role dies aged 94 decades after her suicide storyline was pulled from air

Eileen Mayers died on 27 June, though her passing went largely unnoticed until a death notice and Equity magazine brought it to light. In 1963, ITV executives had planned for factory worker Sheila to end her life following a doomed romance with Neil Crossley. When the plot became public, the ensuing uproar compelled producer Margaret Morris to rewrite the storyline. The footage that had already been shot remained under wraps until 2011.

Born in Oldham, she began acting aged 15 at the Oldham Repertory Theatre.

She debuted in Coronation Street's eighth-ever episode and appeared in 161 episodes over 13 years.

Her death notice read: 'She is now "resting" for ever. God bless.'