Former Coronation Street actress Sophiya Haque, 41, dies of cancer



Former Coronation Street actress Sophiya Haque has died following a short battle with cancer.

The stage and screen star, who played Rovers Return assistant manager Poppy Morales from 2008-2009, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Sophiya died in her sleep in a London hospital, just a few weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer before Christmas.

Tragic: Actress Sophiya Haque, pictured on December 10 2012, has died at the age of 41

She had been suffering from pneumonia and had developed a blood clot on her lungs.

Up until falling ill, she had been starring in Michael Grandage's West End production Privates On Parade.

The director led the tributes: 'She was a true force of nature and her glorious performance as Sylvia in Privates on Parade is one that will be remembered with great joy.

'A spirited lady, she lived life to the full, and her presence in the theatre will be sorely missed. The company would like to dedicate the remaining performances to her memory.'

Corrie stint: Sophiya played assistant bar manager Poppy in Coronation Street in 2009

Also paying tributes were ITV and some of Sophiya 's former co-stars at Coronation Street.

An ITV statement read: 'We are saddened to hear the terrible news of Sophiya's death.

'She was a vibrant and beautiful actress who was a pleasure to have around during her time on Coronation Street. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.'

Corrie star Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) tweeted: 'Just on set and heard the news about Sophiya Haque. So effing sad. Night night kiddo x.'

Last production: Sophiya performing with Privates On Parade co-star Simon Russell Beale in November

Co-star Michael Le Vell also wrote on Twitter: 'No way just heard about sophiya haque so sad. My heart goes out to the family.'



Sophiya played Poppy in Corrie from December 2008 and June 2009.

Originally hired as the Rovers' 51st barmaid, she was soon promoted to assistant manager.

Poppy irked locals when she fired Betty Williams from her hotpot making, but later was fired herself by Steve McDonald.

Tributes: Sophiya's former Corrie co-stars Michael Le Vell and Antony Cotton paid tribute to the actress

West End star Sophiya started her career as a dancer in her hometown of Portsmouth, before moving to London.

She then spent time in a band and got a record deal with Warner Brothers and was also a presenter for MTV Asia and Channel V.

In 1997, she moved to India and starred in many Bollywood films, before returning to the UK to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams in 2002 and West End production of The Far Pavilions in 2005.

Fiery: Poppy clashed with Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) during her time at the Rovers