Miss Marple Actress Geraldine McEwan Dies

Geraldine McEwan, who was best known for playing Miss Marple on TV, has died aged 82.

The BAFTA-winning actress starred as Agatha Christie's famous sleuth Jane Marple in 12 TV films.

She also had a successful career in theatre and films and worked with the likes of Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Williams.

Her son Greg and daughter Claudia said in a statement: "Following a stroke at the end of October and a period in hospital, Geraldine McEwan passed away peacefully on January 30.

"Her family would like to thank the staff at Charing Cross Hospital who cared for her incredibly well."

McEwan won a BAFTA for best actress in 1991 for her role in Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.

She played Miss Marple for five years and announced she was retiring from the role in 2008.

She said at the time: "Of course, it is terribly disappointing to have to pass the baton on.

"But it has been a marvellous experience to inhabit this role for the last few years, and I am sure that my successor, whomever she may be, will thoroughly enjoy her time with the production team - and with the extraordinarily talented group of writers and actors that they come up with for each series."