Lynda Baron dies at the age of 82

Lynda Baron has died at the age of 82.

The star was best known for her role as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in the BBC sitcom 'Open All Hours' and also featured as Linda Clarke in 'EastEnders' from 2006 to 2016.

Lynda also appeared in the sequel 'Still Open All Hours' when the comedy returned to screens in 2013 and played Auntie Mabel in the BBC children's show 'Come Outside' during the 1990s.

A statement from her agent Donna French said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron.

"She was a wonderful actress and great friend.

"Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in 'Open All Hours' and Auntie Mabel in 'Come Outside' were loved by all generations.

"Renowned for her leading roles in West End musicals and dramatic productions alike, we have lost a leading light of our world.

"We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter, her son Morgan and all her family."

A cause of death was not revealed.

Baron also made appearances in shows such as 'Last of the Summer Wine', 'The Bill' and 'Doctor Who'.

She was nominated for a BAFTA in 2011 for her role in the BBC Four drama 'The Road to Coronation Street', a one-off drama about the creation of the long-running soap opera.

Lynda played actress Violet Carson, who portrayed Ena Sharples in the ITV show.

Reflecting on her career in 2020, Baron said: "I loved playing Nurse Gladys and Auntie Mabel but I couldn't name my favourite of the different characters I have played.

"Partly that is because I am really the sort of person who prefers to look ahead and think about what I am doing now and, importantly, what I am going to do next."