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Tributes paid as 'huge comedy talent' Bella Emberg dies aged 80

Bella Emberg: The comedy star died aged 80: Rex Features
Bella Emberg: The comedy star died aged 80: Rex Features

Tributes have been paid for the “huge comedy talent” Bella Emberg, who has died aged 80.

The actress, best known for her character Blunderwoman on the Russ Abbot Show, was described as a “woman of immense warmth and generosity” by former co-star Russ Abbot.

During a television career spanning six decades, Emberg appeared in several hit programmes including The Benny Hill Show, Doctor Who and Z Cars.

Most recently she had just finished filming In The Long Run, a Sky One comedy created by Idris Elba, according to the BBC.

However it was her turn as Blunderwoman, the comic sidekick of Abbot's Cooperman in the 1980s, that she will be best remembered.

In a statement, Mr Abbot, 70, said: "It is with a heavy heart that I heard the news about Bella. She was not only a great sport but a huge comedy talent.

"A genuinely funny woman, but most of all a woman of immense warmth and generosity. I count myself very lucky to have worked alongside her.

"She really was a one off. RIP Bella."

Les Dennis, who appeared on The Russ Abbot Show, shared a photo of him and Emberg on Twitter alongside the caption: "So sad to lose the lovely Bella Emberg. A funny, lovely friend. Thoughts and love with Rosemary. Goodnight Sweetheart."