Charmian Abrahams dead – Crossroads legend, 96, killed after being hit by delivery van in ‘sudden & tragic’ death

CROSSROADS star Charmian Abrahams has died after being hit by a delivery van.

The actress - best known for playing Mavis Hooper in the soap - died in Harborne, Birmingham, on Monday.

Tributes have poured in for Charmian, who performed alongside acting legends including Sir Ian McKellen and Albert Finney.

In a statement - released through West Midlands Police - the family said: "Charmian was a much-loved aunt and great-aunt and a dear friend to many.

"At 96 she was still full of life and energy and fiercely independent.

"In her working life she had enjoyed a long career as an actor on stage and screen, performing alongside many great theatrical figures.

"We are devastated that her life has been brought to an end so suddenly and tragically, but we will treasure our memories of her zest for life and the many good times we shared with her."

Charmian starred in a number of television shows throughout her 50-year career, including Crossroads from 1981 to 1985.

The long-running soap, which ran for 24 years from 1964 through to 1988, before a short revival in the early 2000s, was set in a fictional hotel in the Midlands.

Abrahams played Mavis Hooper, the wife of garage hand Sid Hooper, featuring in more than 50 episodes before leaving in 1985.

The soap was very popular with audiences and at one point regularly attracted millions of viewers.

Before Crossroads, she had also toured with stage companies around Northern Europe and Australia and New Zealeand. 

She also starred in Precious Bane (1957), Musical Playhouse (1959) and BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950).

West Midlands Police said that its Serious Collision Investigation Unit is probing the crash, which happened on Lordswood Road in Harborne at about 11.40am on Monday January 15.

Investigators have appealed for further witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.