Una Stubbs has died at the age of 84, her agent has confirmed.
The actor, best known for her roles in Worzel Gummidge, EastEnders, Til Death Us Do Part and Sherlock, died at her home in Edinburgh surrounded by her family.
She had been ill for several months, her agent told BBC News.
In a statement, her sons Joe and Christian Henson and Jason Gilmore said: “Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times.”
Her agent Rebecca Blond, who represented the star for more than 20 years, said: “We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.
“She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist.”
Following the news of her death, stars from the entertainment world have been paying tribute.
Oh, this is so sad. Such a funny, lovely, gifted lady – a marvellous actress with a special style & a great (and impish) sense of humour. I first met her when she was in Cowardy Custard in 1972 & last saw her at Nicky Henson’s funeral last year. A sad day. https://t.co/0On3d0viXQ
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) August 12, 2021
Devastated to hear our gorgeous Una Stubbs has passed away. Loved working with her on Murder on the Blackpool Express. Genuine and beautiful person inside & out. Thoughts are with her family. G x pic.twitter.com/3WdLjYtXth
— Griff Rhys Jones OBE (@G_RhysJones) August 12, 2021
Back when I was a journalist, I made a list of the five nicest people I had ever interviewed. Una Stubbs was on there. (I had a chance to tell her this at the NTAs a few years ago.) #RIPUnaStubbs 😢
— Anne Hegerty (@anne_hegerty) August 12, 2021
Oh I loved Una Stubbs ever since Summer Holiday. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FEXgghcoJZ
— Tracey Thorn (@tracey_thorn) August 12, 2021
RIP the wonderful Una Stubbs. I remember her best working with Dick Emery and also Cliff Richard in Summer Holiday. She was 84. pic.twitter.com/scV1In6nS5
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) August 12, 2021
Una’s first major screen role was alongside Cliff Richard in Summer Holiday in 1963.
Her TV break came a few years later when she played Rita, the married daughter of Alf Garnett in the classic BBC sitcom Til Death Us Do Part, and later revived the character in In Sickness And In Health.
She is perhaps most fondly known for playing Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge, which ran for four series in the UK from 1979 to 1981.
Her last major role saw her play Sherlock’s landlady Mrs Hudson in the BBC drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Other appearances included Fawlty Towers, Benidorm, Give Us A Clue, Midsomer Murders, Call The Midwife, Heartbeat, Casualty and Keeping Up Appearances.
