Lynda Baron: Open All Hours actress dies aged 82

The actress Lynda Baron, best known for the BBC sitcom Open All Hours, has died at the age of 82, her agent announced.

Baron starred opposite Sir David Jason and Ronnie Barker as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in the hit BBC sitcom, which ran for four series starting in 1976.

She also appeared in the sequel Still Open All Hours when it returned in 2013, and played Auntie Mabel in the 1990s BBC children's programme Come Outside, which saw her and her dog Pippin take adventures in a small multi-coloured polka dot plane.

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 a great friend.

"Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in Open All Hours and Aunt 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 Sarah, her son Morgan and all her family."

Baron also appeared in the ITV sitcom Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt, the BBC soap EastEnders, and made appearances in Doctor Who, Last Of The Summer Wine and Dinner Ladies.

She was nominated for a Bafta in 2011 for her role in The Road To Coronation Street, a one-off drama about the early days of the soap, in which she played actress Violet Carson, who portrayed Ena Sharples in the long-running series.

Lisa Riley, the Emmerdale actress, paid tribute to Baron, saying: "God bless you Lynda, rest in peace. You played my mum for four wonderful, memorable years in Fat Friends.

"Each & everyday I learnt so much from you, but mostly we always laughed together, your energy will live on forever."

Sally Lindsay, who starred alongside Baron in Still Open All Hours, added: "I loved Lynda Baron. She was funny and clever and a joy to work with, and she once gifted me a pair of beautiful red shoes.

"This has made me very sad. RIP Lynda darling."