Helene Palmer (5th March 1928 - 5th January 2011) born Helene Mapplebeck, played machinist Ida Clough on Coronation Street from 1978 to 1988, and again from 1995 to 1998. Her other credits include Days Of Hope and All Day On The Sands. As well as TV work she appeared in two films: Spend Spend Spend in 1977 and Yanks (1979). She was married to Alex from 1948 until her death and had one son, David, born in 1961 both of whom survive her.