Coronation Street star known for controversial axed storyline dies, aged 94

Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide.

Former Coronation Street star Eileen Mayers, who appeared on the ITV soap in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at the age of 94. The actor, who played Sheila Birtles in the soap, reportedly passed away in June. Mayers's passing was reported in Equity magazine and The Times' Births, Deaths and Marriages in July, with a tribute reading (via The Daily Record): "Eileen (née Mayers) died on 27th June 2026 aged 94.

"She took her final curtain call after an acting career which began aged 15 at the Oldham Repertory Theatre. Sheila Birtles in Coronation Street between 1960-63, she is now 'resting' for ever. God bless."

The actor made her debut on the soap in January 1961, with Sheila being a factory worker who shared a flat with Doreen Lostock. She was also close with Elsie Tanner, and dated Jerry Booth for a while.

Sheila soon developed feelings for Neil Crossley, which was the beginning of a controversial storyline that has gone down in Corrie folklore. Their relationship, in which Sheila was mistreated, ended initially when Neil left Weatherfield.

Sheila subsequently entered a state of depression when Neil returned and rejected her again, with bosses at the soap developing a storyline in which she would have died by suicide after overdosing on pills.

After fans learned about this storyline, the decision to air the already-filmed scenes was reversed, with Sheila subsequently leaving Weatherfield in 1963. The original scenes did eventually air in 2011, as part of documentary The Corrie Years.

Mayers returned to the soap sporadically over the next decade following the character's exit, with Sheila marrying Neil in 1966. Sheila had a son, Danny, which she gave up for adoption, with her final appearance coming in October 1974.

Fans of the long-running soap paid tribute to the late actor following the news of her passing, with one writing on X: "Sad to read that actress Eileen Mayers died in June aged 94."

"Her best known role was Sheila Birtles in Coronation Street. She appeared from episode 8 in January 1961 until September '63. She returned for an extended run in 1966, and two final stints in 1969 and 1974. RIP Eileen," they added.

Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage

We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in reference to Sheila's axed storyline to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.

Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.