Patricia "Pat" Frederica Phoenix (born as Patricia Frederica Mansfield on 26th November 1923 - 18th September 1986) was an English actress who became one of the first sex symbols of British television through her role of Elsie Tanner in Coronation Street. A lifelong heavy smoker, Pat was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 1986 after collapsing at home. Following her diagnosis she continued to work hiding her illness from most people including long term partner Tony Booth. In the summer of 1986 her condition deteriorated forcing her to undergo more extensive treatment confirming mild speculation in the press that she had health problems. It later leaked that she had just weeks to live and had been given The Last Rites. On her deathbed she married Tony Booth in Stockport, Cheshire on 10th September 1986 attracting wide scale media attention. Eight days later she died in her sleep aged 62.
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