Mo Moreland dead aged 87: Former Corrie actress who starred in Roly Polys passes away as tributes paid

TRIBUTES have been paid to Mo Moreland who has died aged 87.

The actress, who was originally from Sheffield, died at a nursing home on the Fylde coast in Lancashire after a long illness.

She is best known as the lead dancer in the comedy dance troupe The Roly Polys who frequently used to perform with Les Dawson.

Tracy, Les Dawson's wife, said she was "like a mum and a sister – my best friend and confidente".

She added: "I’m missing her terribly because she supported me so much, I’m heartbroken.

"The lovely thing was they played the Rolly Poly and Les to her while she passed away."

She continued: "She helped me when Les passed away because I lost my mum when I was young.

"She took me under her wing and looked after my daughter Charlotte and helped me bring her up.

"She was wonderful and I’ll miss her deeply."

Born Maureen McCluskey in 1936, Mo was just 4ft 11in tall but was a skilled tap dancer.

She first performed on stage aged three and attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

She was married to Roy Moreland from 1959 until his death in 2001.

Mo appeared on TV talent show New Faces in the 1970s and joined The Roly Polys in 1982.

She also featured in two episodes of Coronation Street in April 1976 as a Fat Lady, as well as Blankety Blank and Bullseye.

Paying tribute Irish comedian James Mulgrew said: "Mo was a real pocket rocket – a true star who was also a great friends, who came to my 40th and 50th birthday parties."

Syd Littlle added: "Mo was lovely. We had some great times on stage with her and The Roly Polys.

"I remember one sketch in which Eddie was 'Little Mo' alongside her and the audience loved her. She will be sadly missed."

Jimmy Cricket, who featured on performance bills with Mo and The Roly Polys, said she was a "great comic, singer and dancer".