A woman found dead at her Staffordshire home was a popular stage actress and dancer, it has emerged.

Tributes have been paid to Marie Codreau – formerly Marie Cannon – whose body was found at her marital home in St Michael’s Road, Lichfield, last Sunday.

Marie aged 27, was raised in Skegness, on the Lincolnshire coast, and danced professionally at Lincoln’s Theatre Royal.

Chris Moreno, manager of the Theatre Royal, said Marie was an assistant stage manager during a six month run of the musical Annie in 2003. She also studied at Lincoln College from 2001 to 2003.

Tutor Janice Sutton said: “She was a beautiful dancer and such a vivacious girl.”

Her husband Florin Codreau, aged 30, appeared at Stafford Crown Court today charged with Marie’s murder. He was remanded in custody until March 30, when he will appear to enter a plea.