Tenko and Doc Martin actress Stephanie Cole dies aged 84

Actress Stephanie Cole, known for roles in Tenko, Open All Hours and Doc Martin, has died aged 84.

A statement from her agent John Grant, issued on behalf of her family, confirmed the actress had been living with Alzheimer's for several years.

"Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television," the statement read.

"She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities."

Solihull-born Cole, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, enjoyed a lengthy career that spanned TV, radio and film.

She was perhaps best known for playing the character Dr Beatrice Mason in the 1980s BBC wartime TV drama Tenko.

The series chronicled the lives of British women in Singapore after the Japanese invasion and their consequent confinement in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

Cole, in her breakout role, played a doctor who struggled to look after the health of the women, opposite Ann Bell and Claire Oberman.

During this same period, Cole also played the moody customer Mrs Delphine Featherstone, aka "The Black Widow" in the Ronnie Barker-starring Open All Hours.

She would go on to win the award for best TV comedy actress for her part as the sharp-tongued photojournalist Diana Trent in Waiting For God.

But she cited her earlier performance as Muriel in Alan Bennett's monologue Soldiering On, alongside Maggie Smith and Julie Walters, as one of her proudest moments.

Her stage highlight, by her account, was in a West End production of A Passionate Woman.

Cole also played the aunt of Martin Clunes's titular character in the ITV medical drama Doc Martin.

Her other notable roles included Keeping Mum, and the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Cabin Pressure - alongside a fast-rising Benedict Cumberbatch - as Carolyn Knapp-Shappey.