A tribute was paid to Mo Moreland, who died at the age of 87.
The actress, originally from Sheffield, died in a nursing home on the Fylde coast in Lancashire after a long illness.
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Tributes have been paid to Mo Moreland who has died aged 87 Credit: Rex
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The actress toured the world as a member of the all-star troupe The Roly PolysCredit: Alamy
She is best known as the lead dancer in the comedy dance group The Roly Polys who often performed with Les Dawson.
Les Dawson’s wife Tracy said she was “like a mum and a sister – my best friend and confidante”.
She added: “I miss her terribly because she was so supportive, I’m heartbroken.
“It’s nice that they played Rolly Poly and Les while she died.”
She continued: “She helped me when Les passed away because I lost my mother when I was young.
“She took me under her wing and looked after my daughter Charlotte and helped raise me.
“She was wonderful and I will miss her very much.”
Born Maureen McCluskey in 1936, Mo was only 4 feet 11 inches tall, but she was an accomplished tap dancer.
She performed on stage for the first time at the age of three and attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts.
She was married to Roy Moreland from 1959 until his death in 2001.
Mo appeared on the TV talent show New Faces in the 1970s and joined The Roly Polys in 1982.
She also appeared in two episodes of Coronation Street in April 1976 as the Fat Lady, as well as Blankety Blank and Bullseye.
Paying tribute, Irish comedian James Mulgrew said: “Mo was a real pocket rocket – a real star who was also a great friend, coming to my 40th and 50th birthdays.”
Syd Littlle added: “Mo was wonderful. We had a great time on stage with her and The Roly Polys.
“I remember one skit where Eddie was ‘Little Mo’ with her and the audience loved her. She will be sadly missed.”
Jimmy Cricket, who performed with Mo and The Roly Polys, said she was a “brilliant comedian, singer and dancer”.
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Mo appeared as Tanya, a traffic warden in Super Gran 1985. Credit: Rex
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Les Dawson’s wife Tracy and their daughter Charlotte with MoCredit: Rex
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