London (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 14, 2026 – British actress Marian Diamond, renowned for her role as Joyce Smedley in Brookside and voice work including Galadriel in a Lord of the Rings radio adaptation, has died aged 89.
Miriam Margolyes described her as a “unique spirit” and expressed being “utterly bereft” following Diamond’s sudden death at University College Hospital. Tributes highlight Diamond’s five-decade career across television, radio, and stage, with peers recalling her generosity and talent.
Miriam Margolyes Shares Heartfelt Tribute
Miriam Margolyes announced the death of her friend Marian Diamond on Facebook, stating she passed away suddenly last Monday at University College Hospital in London.
As reported by Jacob Stolworthy of The Independent, Margolyes wrote,
“Alas, on my mind is the sudden death last Monday, of my dear friend, Marian Diamond, at UCH in London, aged 89. I feel utterly bereft: a unique spirit has been taken very suddenly away from us.”
Margolyes noted their friendship began in 1968 at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, adding,
“I loved her from then on.”
Margolyes praised Diamond as “endlessly generous, interested in others and thrilled by their success,” calling her “beautiful, gentle, full of fun, wise and perceptive” and “one of the angels in our business.” She hoped Gillian Diamond’s sons, who survive her late sister the casting director and close friend actor Hugh Dickson—both died in 2018—would share funeral details, stating, “She deserves a full house. Marian, you’re held in my heart forever.”
Media outlets quickly amplified the news of Margolyes’ tribute. GB News said in X post,
“Marian Diamond dead: Brookside star dies aged 89 as Miriam Margolyes leads tributes to actress.”
Marian Diamond dead: Brookside star dies aged 89 as Miriam Margolyes leads tributes to actresshttps://t.co/oqqTcGCVVq
— GB News (@GBNEWS) January 14, 2026
Marian Diamond’s Extensive Television Career
Diamond’s screen acting began in 1958 with an episode of Armchair Theatre as a teenage girl. In the 1960s, she appeared in Jackanory, The Avengers starring Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg, and Sherlock Holmes with Douglas Wilmer as the detective.
As detailed by Jacob Stolworthy of The Independent, she played Julia Stoner in Sherlock Holmes episode “The Speckled Band” and Jessy in The Avengers. Her television credits also included Dixon of Dock Green, Danger Man, Z-Cars, and Emergency Ward 10.
In the 1970s, Diamond starred in 12 episodes of Tightrope alongside future Coronation Street actor John Savident as Fred Elliott. She joined Channel 4 soap Brookside in 1992 as teacher Mrs Shackleton, later portraying Joyce Smedley from 1998 to 2002. In the 2000s, she made two appearances: five episodes of The Armando Iannucci Shows and an episode of BBC soap Doctors. Other roles encompassed Thriller, The Main Chance, Owen M.D., and Madame Bovary in 2000.
Voice Work and Radio Contributions
Diamond became known for voice roles with the BBC over many years. She narrated Jackanory episodes, often featuring C.S. Lewis books, and voiced Princess in Play School’s pantomime. In 1981, she voiced Galadriel in the BBC radio adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Wikipedia and IMDb confirm her as the voice of the Lady of the Woods character Galadriel in this series. She also worked on radio dramas starting in the 1960s.
Stage manager Paul Jackson, a friend for 35 years, paid tribute noting her support for his Play School archiving work, as reported in Mirror coverage. Diamond’s distinctive voice contributed to projects like Ruth Rell Myst and other BBC radio and television efforts.
Film and Stage Appearances
Diamond appeared in films including 80,000 Suspects (1963), Subterfuge (1968), and Goodbye Gemini (1970). Her stage work included the Traverse Theatre meeting with Margolyes and regional productions. Television remained her primary focus, with guest spots in The Bill, Casualty, Last of the Summer Wine, and Holby City in 2018 as her final credited role. She played Phyllis Pearce in Coronation Street during 1982-1983.
In Warship, she portrayed Surgeon Lt. Sue Herrick across three episodes in 1976. Rough Justice saw her as Frances Penrose in a 1977 mini-series, and Bothwell as Anna Throndsen in 1979. The Idiot featured her as Alexandra in a 1966 mini-series over five episodes.
The Sun TV highlighted the tributes from Harry Potter star Margolyes. The Sun TV said in X post,
“Brookside star Marian Diamond dies aged 89 as Harry Potter legend leads tributes.”
Brookside star Marian Diamond dies aged 89 as Harry Potter legend leads tributes https://t.co/xlceC9meV0
— The Sun TV (@TheSunTV) January 14, 2026
Brookside Role and Soap Legacy
Brookside, airing from 1982 to 2003, cast Diamond as Mrs Shackleton in 1992 and Joyce Smedley later, a no-nonsense matriarch in family and community storylines. The Liverpool-based soap, produced by Channel 4, ran for 21 series and 2,915 episodes, known for addressing social issues. Former producer Phil Redmond called her “the heart of many scenes” via a spokesperson, per industry reports. Sue Johnston, who played Sheila Grant, recalled her off-screen humour in Guardian interviews.
The official Brookside account shared a montage of clips captioned “Remembering Marian Diamond, our unforgettable Joyce Smedley.” Fans highlighted iconic moments like Joyce’s neighbour clashes. Diamond navigated plots with humour and resilience, embodying the show’s gritty realism.
Industry Tributes and Family Details
Peers including Dean Sullivan and Sue Jenkins echoed praises of her professionalism. Margolyes, 85 and known from Harry Potter, recently refuted “death’s door” reports in 2025, affirming she remains “very much alive.” Diamond is survived by two children and grandchildren from her late sister Gillian’s line. Funeral arrangements stay private, with a possible memorial later.
Paul Jackson described her as
“a kind-hearted individual who contributed significantly outside of acting to help others,”
adding, “She will be greatly missed.” Tributes emphasise her warmth, with Margolyes leading calls for a full house at services.
Comprehensive Career Roles List
1950s–1960s
- Armchair Theatre (1958)
- Dixon of Dock Green (1960)
- Avengers (1964)
- Sherlock Holmes (1964)
- Jackanory
- Z-Cars
1970s
- Tightrope (12 episodes)
- Warship (1976)
- Rough Justice (1977)
- Thriller
1980s–1990s
- Coronation Street (Phyllis Pearce, 1982–83)
- Brookside (Mrs Shackleton, 1992; Joyce Smedley, 1998–2002)
2000s
- Armando Iannucci Shows (5 episodes)
- Doctors
- Madame Bovary (2000)
- Holby City (2018)
Radio/Film
- Galadriel (Lord of the Rings radio, 1981)
- 80,000 Suspects
- Subterfuge
Diamond advocated for older actresses’ representation in interviews with The Stage. Her legacy endures in British television history through reruns and peer remembrances. No cause of death disclosed per family privacy requests.