One if the nations favourite TV mums Lynda Bellingham has died aged 66 from cancer. The actress, presenter and writer was the matriarch of the popular Oxo family advertising campaign from 1983 to 1999.
Lynda was also known for her work in 'Doctor Who' as the Inquisitor, and 'All Creatures Great and Small'. She went on to be one of the presenters on ITV's Loose Women for four years and was a contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama Lynda trod the boards in the 1960s at the Pendley Open Air Shakespeare Festival and played Chris Harper in the stage version of 'Calendar Girls'. Lynda was about to star in Kay Mellor's play 'A Passionate Woman' at the Sheffield Crucible. Unfortunately in July 2013 it was announced that the show was being postponed so that Lynda could receive treatment for cancer.
Lynda had been very open about her cancer diagnosis and treatment, releasing a statement in July that she had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Last September Lynda said that she had months to live as her cancer had metastasized to her lungs and liver and she would stop chemotherapy in November in order to have a final Christmas with her family.
Simon Pegg tweeted: "Lynda Bellingham, a gorgeous, brassy, funny, generous, talented human being. My first TV mother figure and and a treasured friend."
Lynda's agent Sue Latimer announced: "Lynda died peacefully in her husband's arms yesterday at a London hospital.
"Her family would like to thank the nurses and staff for their tremendous care and support.
"Actor, writer and presenter – to the end Lynda was a consummate professional."
Lynda's 'All Creatures Great and Small' co-star Christopher Timonthy told the BBC that she was: "a real friend…She was a life force. She was funny, she was loyal, talented and a great mum,
"On set, she was 'one of the boys' really – she was naughty and funny. We've all been expecting it, but it is so unjust she didn't make her last Christmas as was her intention.
"Her honesty and her upfrontness was exactly what one knew and what you expected, but [her honesty about her illness] made it more painful."
Recently Lynda recorded one final appearance on 'Loose Women'. She told her audience: "Grasp it all, don't be afraid, enjoy the bits you can and tell your family you love them while you have the chance."
Lynda is survived by her husband Michael Pattemore and her two sons Robbie and Michael.
Pictured: Lynda receiving her OBE at the 2014 New Year Honours for voluntary service to charitable giving and Lynda as the Oxo Mum.
