Overview
- Relatives remembered her as a bright, witty presence and thanked caregivers for dignified, compassionate support.
- Her husband, actor John Alderton, hailed her as “a remarkable star” who brought out the best in colleagues.
- She made Shirley Valentine her signature role, sweeping major theater prizes and later winning a BAFTA with Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for the film.
- Her six-decade career spanned Doctor Who, The Liver Birds and Upstairs Downstairs on television, with film roles in City of Joy, Quartet and Mrs Caldicot’s Cabbage War.
- Tributes from peers, including Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, praised her skill and warmth, and she is survived by Alderton, four children and several grandchildren.