It has been two months since she passed away, but everyone fell right back in love with Coronation Street star Jean Alexander as ITV aired a special tribute programme to her.
The high-pitched voice and hair-rollers she sported for 23 years as Hilda Ogden – and then as Auntie Wainwright in Last Of The Summer Wine until 2010 – became synonymous with the Liverpudlian actor herself until she died in October, aged 90.
And people still adore her for it.
Jean Alexander's comic timing in early #Corrie was sublime! Truly brilliant writing and acting! @CorrieStreetTV Those northern rhythms! pic.twitter.com/LPsO7kkqH0
— Jane Elson (@JJELSON35) December 20, 2016
@ITV U got me sobbing my heart out watching the Jean Alexander tribute, what a lady, may she rest in peace but never to be forgotten!!
— Amanda Archer (@amandaarcher70) December 20, 2016
Loved the Jean Alexander tribute. You only need watch the clips to realise what a wonderful actress she was. #HildaOgden was a powerhouse!
— Thomas Hewitt (@TJ_Hewitt) December 20, 2016
@itvcorrie don't make characters like #jeanalexander anymore, classic and comical, she is missed x
— Chris Russell (@Chris__Russell_) December 20, 2016
Hilda's last ta ra is emotionally a rollercoaster from joy sadness tears and joy , jean Alexander was a remarkable actress , iconic 😉
— Brian LeslieWilletts (@brianleslie74) December 20, 2016
She left the show in 1987, but just a few short clips brought long-time Corrie fans right back…
Brilliant tribute to #HildaOgden on @ITV bringing back childhood memories. Jean Alexander was a genius Northern actress. I loved her.
— Nuala Ellwood (@NualaWrites) December 20, 2016
I just don't think I'll ever forget #HildaOgden and I don't know why. Jean Alexander created such an iconic character. She was pure genius.
— Stephen Butcher (@SteButcher) December 20, 2016
Watching the wonderful #HildaOgden #JeanAlexander I remember finding her a lovable old lady. Looking at her now I bet she's younger than me😂
— Michelle 🎄🎅🏼⛄️ (@mishcousin) December 20, 2016
The special Tuesday night programme included clips of her both in character and in interviews, as well as memories from her TV colleagues who described her as “larger than life,” but also “totally believable,” “self-contained,” and “ladylike.”
Jean Alexander 1926-2016, a lesson in how to be world famous and yet still be modest and humble#TaRaChuck #HildaOgden #CorrieLegend #Corrie pic.twitter.com/ODuQrRyXiL
— Corrie Art (@CorrieArt) December 20, 2016
Such an iconic character She has left so many fabulous memories #HildaOgden R.I.P Jean Alexander @itvcorrie
— tania deighton 💎 (@tania1975) December 20, 2016
Wonderful tribute @ITV #HildaOgden @itvcorrie needs more characters like her
— Stuart Hardaker (@mrstu011983) December 20, 2016
Some viewers even suggested the soap take some inspiration from Jean’s Hilda and recreate some characters like her. But something tells us it could never be quite the same.
