Lynda Baron dead aged 82 – Open All Hours and EastEnders star dies

ACTRESS Lynda Baron, best known for the BBC sitcom Open All Hours, has died at the age of 82.

Baron starred opposite Sir David Jason and Ronnie Barker as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in the hit show, 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.

A statement from her agent of nearly 30 years, 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, and telly favourite EastEnders as Linda Clarke, the mother of Jane Beale.

And she had roles in Doctor Who, Last Of The Summer Wine and Dinner Ladies.

Baron was nominated for a Bafta in 2011 for her role in The Road To Coronation Street on BBC Four.

The one-off drama followed the early days of the soap, in which she played actress Violet Carson, who portrayed Ena Sharples in the long-running series.

But despite her acting fame, Baron originally trained as a dancer and landed roles in several West End productions.

Her stage roles included The Full Monty, An Inspector Calls, the Stephen Sondheim musical Follies, and a live theatre version of In Celebration with Orlando Bloom.

'WONDERFUL FRIEND'

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley paid tribute, recalling fond memories she had of Baron, who played her mother in the drama series Fat Friends.

She shared two photos of them together and wrote: "God bless you Lynda, rest in peace.

"You played my mum for four wonderful, memorable years in Fat Friends.

"Each and everyday I learnt so much from you, but mostly we always laughed together.

"Your energy will live on forever. #restinpeace #legend love ya xxx."

Actor Stuart Antony also shared a photo alongside the actress and added: "Saddened to hear wonderful friend Lynda Baron has sadly passed away.

"She was the nicest person and what a legend. Here we are with Su Pollard just before lockdown - RIP Lynda Baron."

Gold TV channel, which regularly airs reruns of Open All Hours, tweeted: "We're all deeply saddened by the passing of Lynda Baron who was well-loved as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in both Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

Baron is survived by her two children, daughter Sarah and son Morgan.