Cheryl Murray, Coronation Street’s Suzie Birchall, dies at 71

Cheryl Murray, best known for her role as Suzie Birchall in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. The beloved actress portrayed Gail Platt’s close friend on the show from 1977 to 1979, with a return in 1983, captivating audiences with her vibrant character.

In an official statement, ITV expressed their condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Cheryl Murray’s passing. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Her lively performance as Suzie Birchall, who was also Elsie Tanner’s lodger, left a lasting impact on fans of Coronation Street.”

Beyond her time on the cobbles, Cheryl had a diverse acting career. She notably appeared in Morrissey’s music video for Everyday Is Like Sunday as the eldest daughter of Billie Whitelaw, and she’s remembered for her role as Joan Wainwright in the popular sitcom Hi-de-Hi! and as Gillian in the BBC comedy Sorry! However, her career was significantly affected when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, leading her to step back from acting in 1998 after experiencing her first MS attack while on the Coronation Street set.

Cheryl, born in Liverpool in 1952, passed away on September 23, 2023. Her family has now shared the news of her death with the public.

Suzie Birchall, the character she portrayed, was known for being sensible and close to Gail, sharing a flat with Elsie Tanner. Their friendship blossomed as they worked together at Sylvia’s Separates. However, after Gail married Brian Tilsley in 1979, Suzie yearned for excitement and moved to London. She returned to Weatherfield four years later, taking a job at the Rovers Return, only to find herself in a complicated situation involving her abusive husband, Terry Goodwin, and a betrayal that led to the end of her friendship with Gail.

Cheryl’s legacy as Suzie Birchall remains a cherished memory for fans of Coronation Street, and her contributions to television will not be forgotten.