Actress and presenter Kathryn Apanowicz, known for her roles in EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale, has passed away at the age of 64 after a long illness.
Apanowicz, who was the long-term partner of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley, died on Monday. Her passing was confirmed by friends and former colleagues who paid tribute to her legacy in the entertainment industry.
Tributes Pour In
Former ITV Calendar presenter Christa Ackroyd announced the news on Facebook, writing: “Reunited with her beloved Richard. I will miss you so much my lovely friend. What adventures we had. The world will always be a duller place without you.”
Ian White of ITV Calendar also paid tribute, saying: “Very sad news tonight about friend and former colleague Kathryn Apanowicz.”
A fan shared: “I was sad to hear that the presenter and actress Kathryn Apanowicz has passed away. I remember Kathryn’s days in EastEnders and her appearing in a charity show in Leicester back in the late 80s. RIP, Kathryn.”
A Storied Career in Television
Apanowicz started her career as a child performer, appearing in Yorkshire Television’s Junior Show Time and the film Bugsy Malone. She went on to star in the BBC series Angels as Nurse Rose Butchins and later had multiple appearances in British soaps, including EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale.
In EastEnders, she played caterer Magda Czajkowski. She also had roles in Emmerdale in 1972 and Coronation Street in both 1960 and 1997, where she portrayed Helen Ackroyd.
Later Life and Legacy
Following her acting career, Apanowicz became a presenter on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York. After Whiteley’s passing in 2005, she wrote a book titled Richard by Kathryn: The Life of Richard Whiteley, reflecting on their time together.
Apanowicz and Whiteley were together from 1994 until his death at age 61 due to heart problems.
Her passing has left a void in the British entertainment industry, with many remembering her for her warmth, talent, and dedication to her craft.
Funeral arrangements and further tributes are expected to be announced in the coming days.
