Coronation Street star Dilys Watling has died at the age of 78 after battling a long illness, her family has sadly confirmed.The actress starred on the hit ITV soap as Merle Baker in 1966 and also appeared on comedy shows The Two Ronnies and Morecambe & Wise. Her work on stage saw her even being nominated for a prestigious Tony Award for Best Leading Actress for her Broadway debut in 1970 musical Georgy.