Coronation Street star Morag Siller took on roles in Casualty, Emmerdale and EastEnders – however, the actor’s career was cut short by her tragic death in 2013 from breast cancer
Coronation Street’s David Platt is becoming increasingly suspicious of his wife Shona, who had a fling with Kit Green behind his back. However, fans of the ITV soap will remember that this isn’t the first time David has dealt with betrayal – with David discovering during the christening of his child Lily that her real father was his brother Nick, who had slept with his then-wife Kylie.
The 2013 episode proved to be an explosive one and featured soap star Morag Siller as Reverend Esther Warren. While Morag appeared in a number of Corrie episodes as Esther, the Scottish-born actress’ career was tragically cut short by her shock death three years later.
Morag, who was best known for her role in Coronation Street and for portraying Leona in BBC One’s Casualty, passed away aged 46 in April 2016 after battling breast cancer. The actress had been diagnosed five years prior and died on Friday 15th April in hospital.
Morag’s representation, AHA Talent Agency, described her as a “brilliant, moving and funny actor”. They added: “Morag will also be remembered for her extraordinary warmth, generosity and mischievous sense of humour as well as the fearless determination she displayed as she fought cancer whilst simultaneously raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.
“She was a truly inspirational person who we are incredibly proud to have represented. We will miss her hugely.”
Coronation Street stars took to social media to pay tribute to the star at the time, with Anthony Cotton, who is best known for playing Sean Tully on the ITV soap, wroting: “Morag Siller. What a woman. She was a magnificent human being. Devastated.” Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe on Corrie, added: “I feel very lucky to have met her but I am devastated that she has passed away, she was such an amazing, generous, kind woman and a fantastic actress – just a beautiful human being.”
Meanwhile, Lee Boardman, who appeared as Jez Quigley on the soap, tweeted: “So sad to hear of the passing of the wonderful Morag Siller. She played my girlfriend in Ladies of Letters & was a delight. God bless you M.”
Morag also appeared in Emmerdale as Zak Dingle’s cousin Marilyn Dingle as well as EastEnders, 1999’s The Man and the children’s series Jinx. Off screen, Morag found success on stage, with the actor playing the role of Donna’s best friend Rosie in musical Mamma Mia’s 2006 world tour.
She also played Madame Thenardier in a national tour and West End production of Les Misérables. It was on that tour that Morag reconnected with classical musician Tim Nicholson, who she knew at school and went onto marry in 2005. According to The Guardian, the pair planned to adopt but just three weeks before a baby girl was due to move in with them, Morag was diagnosed with cancer.