“Coronation Street actress Judy Gridley, best known for playing Elaine Webster in the 1980s, died in 1987 aged 41 after a lengthy illness.”
Coronation Street’s Carl Webster has been left devastated by the news of his mother Elaine’s death, prompting viewers to wonder what happened to the actress who played her.
Earlier this year, Carl — portrayed by Jonathan Howard — reunited with his half-siblings Kevin (Michael Le Vell) and Debbie (Sue Devaney) after returning from Germany in search of a new beginning in Weatherfield.
Carl was born in Germany to Bill Webster (Peter Armitage) and Elaine Webster (played by Judy Gridley), after Bill had previously had Kevin and Debbie with Alison Webster.
Since arriving on the cobbles, Carl has caused plenty of turmoil, including embarking on an affair with Kevin’s wife Abi (Sally Carman). He has also been manipulating Debbie into giving him control of the Chariot Square finances while she battles dementia.
However, this week, while attending the stag do of Debbie’s fiancé Ronnie (Vinta Morgan), Carl received a phone call telling him that his mother Elaine had died from cancer, leaving him devastated, according to the Mirror.
Later, Carl opened up to Abi, explaining that Elaine was aware she had only months left to live but decided not to tell him because of their “complicated” relationship. He also admitted that she was “not the most loving of mothers.”
Elaine, played by Judy Gridley, first appeared on the soap in 1984 and soon developed a romance with Bill Webster. The couple left the cobbles in 1985, moving first to Southampton and later to Germany, where they had their son, Carl.
In 1994, Elaine had an off-screen affair, which led to a separation from Bill, who returned to the cobbles to be with his family, while their son Carl remained with her.
Before playing Elaine on Coronation Street, actress Judy Gridley appeared in the original West End production of Cabaret. She also featured on television shows such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Rosie, and Funny Man.
Outside of acting, Judy was married to musician Howard Tibble. The couple tied the knot in 1972 and made their home in Finchley, London.
Tragically, just over two years after leaving the soap, Judy passed away in October 1987 following a long illness, at the young age of 41.
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