Supergran star Gudrun Ure dies as fans of North East show share tributes

Supergran star Gudrun Ure has passed away at the age of 98, leaving fans to mourn the loss of the beloved actress from the hit TV show that was shown in dozens of countries across the globe.

Gudrun Ure, the Scottish actress famed for her role in the iconic children's TV series 'Supergran', which aired in the mid-1980s, has died. The show, which was made by Tyne Tees and filmed in Tynemouth, featured a grandmother with extraordinary abilities and was a hit during its original run from 1985 to 1987.

Born in Campsie, Stirlingshire, Ure's acting career spanned several decades starting in 1951, and included appearances on popular programmes such as 'Casualty' and 'Midsomer Murders'.

Devastated admirers have expressed their condolences on Twitter, with heartfelt messages. One fan posted: "So sad to hear that actress Gudrun Ure has died today at the age of 98. Born in Milton in Campsie, she was a seasoned actress of stage and screen. She was much-loved as Super Gran, the main character of the 1980s TV show."

Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

Kate McNeill, Gudrun Ure's niece, confirmed the sad news of her passing on a Facebook page dedicated to the actress. Her niece paid tribute to her as a "really kind" individual who took pleasure in being remembered for her most renowned role, reports the Mirror. She reminisced about her last visit with her aunt in December, noting that Ure was delighted to learn about the potential reboot of 'Supergran' as a new film and fondly remembered celebrities like George Best who had appeared on the show.

After the announcement of her passing, a fan shared on social media: "Sad news coming in that Supergran AKA Gudrun Ure has passed away at the grand old age of 98." Another expressed their affection: "Ah no! Loved Supergran. Thanks for the memories Gudrun." Someone else remarked: "Supergran was a great kids show and the theme song was an absolute banger. It is sad news #RIPGudrunUre."

Another person reminisced: "Ah no! I was just telling the kids about her last week. Sleep well Supergran." One fan referred to her as "a serious granny" while paying respects with a simple "RIP." The sentiment of cherished childhood moments was echoed by another who posted: "Childhood memories.." And yet another declared: "She was and always be a legend." Tributes continued to pour in, with one individual recalling: "Oh no. Remember Supergran, theme tune sung by Billy Connolly." And another shared their sorrow: "Broken at this. A massive, massive part of my youth. When things were that bit more innocent. Sleep tight supergran."

READ MORE: Ant McPartlin welcomes baby son with wife Anne-Marie Corbett as child's name revealed

Gudrun Ure, born on March 12, 1926, had an illustrious career including playing Desdemona opposite Orson Welles' Othello. Her filmography includes the 1954 film Man with a Million and television appearances in Garry Halliday and Armchair Theatre. However, it's her role in the Eighties television series Supergran that she became most endeared for. At the age of 59, Gudrun took on the role that would make her a household name for generations to come.

The children's TV series, which inspired two computer games at the time, was based on a super-powered grandmother from the books penned by Forrest Wilson. The show's antagonist, Scunner Campbell, was portrayed by the late actor and theatre director Iain Cuthbertson. The programme was a hit among young viewers during its run, bagging an Emmy and being sold to over 60 countries globally. It even gained significant popularity in Cuba, where it was translated into Spanish.