Una Stubbs dead at 84 – TV legend who starred in Eastenders, Worzel Gummidge and Sherlock dies after long illness
A POPULAR British actress who starred in EastEnders has died at the age of 84.
Actress Una Stubbs was best known for roles in the film Summer Holiday and in the BBC sitcoms Till Death Us Do Part and In Sickness And In Health.
Her agent confirmed she passed away peacefully this afternoon at home in Edinburgh.
Una's agent told the BBC the veteran actress had been ill for a few months.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, her family said: "Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times."
Her last role saw her play Mrs Hudson in the BBC's Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
Read our Una Stubbs live blog below for the latest news and updates...
HOW MANY CHILDREN DID UNA STUBBS HAVE?
Una Stubbs was married to actor Peter Gilmore from 1958 to 1969, with who she adopted son Jason.
She then married Nicky Henson in 1969, before they split in 1975.
The couple had two sons, Joe and Christian.
Joe and Christian are now composers.
Christian tweeted: "Some of you may have known her as Rita, as Sally as Bat or Hudson but to my two brothers and I she was known as Mum. Thanks for everything Mum. RIP."
Nicky had three children, Christian and Joe Henson.
UNA WANTED TO FILM MORE SHERLOCK
The TV star also hinted that she was keen to film more Sherlock alongside Benedict Cumberbatch.
“We’re waiting to hear if there will be more Sherlock. The boys [Benedict and co-star Martin Freeman] are so busy. I’d be game for more. They’d have to hurry up, though – I’ve said that Mrs Hudson would need a Zimmer frame!"
UNA'S AGENT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING THE 'WONDERFUL ACTRESS'
Her agent Ms Blond added: "We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.
"She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist. We will miss her enormously and remember her always."
TV CHANNEL GOLD SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON ICONIC ACTRESS NINA STUBBS
TV channel Gold paid tribute to Una Stubbs following news of her death.
In a tweet, they said: "We're all deeply saddened to learn that the magnificent Una Stubbs has passed away at the age of 84. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time".
EXPLAINED: WHO WAS UNA STUBBS’ EX-HUSBAND NICKY HENSON?
Nicky Henson, Una Stubbs’ second husband, was a British actor and ladies' man whose career spanned an impressive 57 years.
Henson rose to fame in the 1960s, as his charm and cheeky grin made him popular with audiences.
He had a reputation as a ladies' man, and played a lothario on Fawlty Towers who gave Basil the run-around, and this seemingly reflected his personal life.
Henson married Una Stubbs in 1969. However, the pair divorced six years later after Henson’s infidelity.
Henson walked out on her, first into a relationship with Avengers star Linda Thorson, and then with actress Susan Hampshire who was his co-star in many stage productions.
The couple remained good friends after their divorce.
UNA'S DEDICATION TO SHOWBIZ (CONTINUED…)
Sherlock co-creator Mark Gattis said last night: “It was one of the great joys of my life to work so closely with and to adore Una.
“She was a wonderful, wonderful woman and a great and serenely graceful actor. Mischief was in her blood.”
Actress Joanna Lumley wrote: “Devastated to hear about the passing of the brilliant Una Stubbs.”
The star was loved by many as Aunt Sally alongside Jon Pertwee's Worzel Gummidge UNA STUBBS WAS LOVED BY GENERATIONS OF FANS AFTER SIX DECADES IN SHOWBIZ
Former dancer Una, who has died aged 84, made her acting breakthrough on the big screen, starring alongside Cliff Richard in classic 1963 movie Summer Holiday.
Una was rarely off the telly, appearing in Fawlty Towers, Keeping Up Appearances, Heartbeat, Casualty, Benidorm, fun quiz Give Us A Clue and twice in Midsomer Murders.
She was a children’s favourite as Aunt Sally in 1970s comedy Worzel Gummidge and had a brief stint as Honey Mitchell’s aunt Caroline Bishop in EastEnders in 2006.
When Sherlock began in 2010, viewers instantly noticed she had a special rapport with Benedict.
EXPLAINED: WHO WAS UNA STUBBS AND WHAT WAS HER CAUSE OF DEATH?
Una Stubbs was an English actress, television personality, and former dancer who has appeared on British television and in the theatre, and less frequently in films.
She was born on May 1 1937 in Hertfordshire and grew up in Leicestershire.
The actress was well known for her roles in TV shows such as Eastenders, Sherlock and Worzel Gummidge.
Her agent confirmed Una died following an illness, and was surrounded by her family at home in Edinburgh. Rebecca Blond told BBC News Una had been ill for a few months.
Una Stubbs, known for EastEnders and Worzel Gummidge, has died aged 84 UNA STUBBS MADE HER NAME IN CLIFF RICHARD'S SUMMER HOLIDAY IN 1963
The 1963 film Summer Holiday helped to make Stubbs' name after she starred in the musical alongside Sir Cliff Richard.
She went on to star in BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part and its sequel In Sickness And In Health, playing Rita Rawlings.
In addition to her work as an actress, Stubbs was also a keen amateur painter who had her work displayed at the Royal Academy in London.
UNA STUBBS DEDICATED DECADES TO HER CAREER
Stubbs dedicated decades to her career, starring in children's hit The Worst Witch in the late 1990s
She also appeared in soap EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show and sitcom Benidorm.
Broadcaster Kay Burley wrote this afternoon: "RIP the wonderful Una Stubbs.
"I remember her best working with Dick Emery and also Cliff Richard in Summer Holiday. She was 84.";
CLIFF RICHARD HAILS ‘WONDERFUL’ UNA STUBBS FOLLOWING HER DEATH AGED 84
Sir Cliff Richard, who starred alongside Una in Summer Holiday, described her as “gorgeous” and “wonderful” in a video he uploaded to social media.
“She was the most exciting person to be with, she was funny, she could really do just about anything – act, dance, she could even sing,” he added.
“Anyway, she has left us and all I want to say is I personally will miss her greatly and I know that our industry on the whole will also miss her greatly.
“Her talent, her joy, everything that she was will remain with us all. While we remember her, she will still be with us.”
UNA STUBBS 'SHOULD HAVE BEEN A DAME', ARGUES GRIEVING PAL CHRISTOPHER BIGGINS
Christopher Biggins has said that it was a "shame" that the late Una Stubbs had not been honoured with a damehood.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain this morning, Christopher said: "She was so clever in everything that she did. Of course, she started off with Cliff Richard. The scene in that bus. She was giving it all. She was wonderful."
He continued to describe her as a "consummate professional who brought so much fun and joy to everybody who worked with her and saw her and appreciated her...she was wonderful".
Ending the interview on GMB, he said: "I think, you know, it's a great shame she never became a dame because I think she would have been a wonderful dame and I think she deserved it somehow, it was marvellous."
UNA’S AGENT RELEASES A STATEMENT REGARDING THE ‘WONDERFUL ACTRESS’
Her agent Ms Blond added: “We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.
“She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist. We will miss her enormously and remember her always.”
GRIFF RHYS JONES PAYS TRIBUTE TO ICONIC ACTRESS
Comedian Griff Rhys Jones said in tribute: "Devastated to hear our gorgeous Una Stubbs has passed away.
"Loved working with her on Murder on the Blackpool Express. Genuine and beautiful person inside & out. Thoughts are with her family. G x"
EXPLAINED: WHEN DID UNA STUBBS AND CLIFF RICHARD DATE?
Una and musician Sir Cliff Richard dated after meeting on the set of Richard’s film Summer Holiday.
The two dated in the 1960s.
They had a while filming Wonderful Life. The pair larking about on the beach together, enjoying each other’s company during their romance.
Una and Cliff had met a year earlier on the set of Summer Holiday, but it wasn’t until the following year that they became romantically involved.
Stubbs was married to actor Peter Gilmore at the time.
Cliff Richard and Una Stubbs who both appeared in the the pantomime Alladin and his Wonderful Lamp at The London Palladium
EXPLAINED: WHO WAS UNA STUBBS’ EX-HUSBAND NICKY HENSON?
Nicky Henson, Una Stubbs’ second husband, was a British actor and ladies' man whose career spanned an impressive 57 years.
Henson rose to fame in the 1960s, as his charm and cheeky grin made him popular with audiences.
He had a reputation as a ladies' man, and played a lothario on Fawlty Towers who gave Basil the run-around, and this seemingly reflected his personal life.
Henson married Una Stubbs in 1969. However, the pair divorced six years later after Henson’s infidelity.
Henson walked out on her, first into a relationship with Avengers star Linda Thorson, and then with actress Susan Hampshire who was his co-star in many stage productions.
The couple remained good friends after their divorce.
UNA'S DEDICATION TO SHOWBIZ (CONTINUED…)
Sherlock co-creator Mark Gattis said last night: “It was one of the great joys of my life to work so closely with and to adore Una.
“She was a wonderful, wonderful woman and a great and serenely graceful actor. Mischief was in her blood.”
Actress Joanna Lumley wrote: “Devastated to hear about the passing of the brilliant Una Stubbs.”
The star was loved by many as  Aunt Sally alongside Jon Pertwee's Worzel Gummidge UNA STUBBS WAS LOVED BY GENERATIONS OF FANS AFTER SIX DECADES IN SHOWBIZ
Former dancer Una, who has died aged 84, made her acting breakthrough on the big screen, starring alongside Cliff Richard in classic 1963 movie Summer Holiday.
Una was rarely off the telly, appearing in Fawlty Towers, Keeping Up Appearances, Heartbeat, Casualty, Benidorm, fun quiz Give Us A Clue and twice in Midsomer Murders.
She was a children’s favourite as Aunt Sally in 1970s comedy Worzel Gummidge and had a brief stint as Honey Mitchell’s aunt Caroline Bishop in EastEnders in 2006.
When Sherlock began in 2010, viewers instantly noticed she had a special rapport with Benedict.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DID UNA STUBBS HAVE?
Una Stubbs was married to actor Peter Gilmore from 1958 to 1969, with who she adopted son Jason.
She then married Nicky Henson in 1969, before they split in 1975.
The couple had two sons, Joe and Christian.
Joe and Christian are now composers.
Christian tweeted: "Some of you may have known her as Rita, as Sally as Bat or Hudson but to my two brothers and I she was known as Mum. Thanks for everything Mum. RIP."
Nicky had three children, Christian and Joe Henson.
EXPLAINED: WHO WAS UNA STUBBS AND WHAT WAS HER CAUSE OF DEATH?
Una Stubbs was an English actress, television personality, and former dancer who has appeared on British television and in the theatre, and less frequently in films.
She was born on May 1 1937 in Hertfordshire and grew up in Leicestershire.
The actress was well known for her roles in TV shows such as Eastenders, Sherlock and Worzel Gummidge.
Her agent confirmed Una died following an illness, and was surrounded by her family at home in Edinburgh. Rebecca Blond told BBC News Una had been ill for a few months.
Una Stubbs, known for EastEnders and Worzel Gummidge, has died aged 84 UNA WAS HAPPY TO BE WORKING IN HER 80’S
Whether you knew her as Rita from Till Death Us Do Part, Worzel Gummidge’s Aunt Sally, Miss Bat from The Worst Witch, Honey’s aunt Caroline Bishop from EastEnders or Sherlock’s Mrs Hudson, Una has been a fixture on our televisions for 60 years.
In an interview back in 2017 Una revealed that she was happy to be working at 80.
“Well, I’m so old!” she laughs. “I started when I was just 16 as a chorus girl at the London Palladium. I never dreamt I’d be working at 80. But I’m enjoying it and it’s nice to be wanted, so I’ll keep going.”
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH PAYS TRIBUTE
The Sherlock actor himself said: “Una was a wonderful, talented, stylish, gentle, joyous and honest friend.
“A joy to work with, to laugh with and to make laugh. So humble and yet so damn good.
“She lit up the room and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, but she will be remembered forever with fondness and love.”
REST IN PEACE UNA
Following the sad news, Joanna Lumley wrote: "Devastated to hear about the passing of the brilliant Una Stubbs.
"My thoughts go out to her family & friends at this very sad time."
Gyles Brandreth: "Oh, this is so sad. Such a funny, lovely, gifted lady - a marvellous actress with a special style & a great (and impish) sense of humour.
"I first met her when she was in Cowardy Custard in 1972 & last saw her at Nicky Henson’s funeral last year. A sad day."
TV CHANNEL GOLD SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON ICONIC ACTRESS NINA STUBBS
TV channel Gold paid tribute to Una Stubbs following news of her death.
In a tweet, they said: "We're all deeply saddened to learn that the magnificent Una Stubbs has passed away at the age of 84. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time".
SHERLOCK STAR UNA STUBBS DIES AGED 84
Actress Una Stubbs, best known for roles in the film Summer Holiday and in the BBC sitcoms Till Death Us Do Part and In Sickness And In Health, passed away at the age of 84, her agent said.
The star, who was born in Hertfordshire in 1937, had a career in film, television and theatre spanning decades, including a recent role as Mrs Hudson in the BBC's Sherlock opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.
A statement from her family said: "Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times."
Her agent Rebecca Blond said: "We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.
"She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist. We will miss her enormously and remember her always."