British television veteran passes away
Actress Una Stubbs, known for her roles in British TV shows like Worzel Gummidge, Till Death Us Do Part, Sherlock and EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 84.
“Mrs Hudson, leave Baker Street? England would fall!”
I guess England is about to fall then Sherlock… 😞
RIP Una Stubbs. #MrsHudson #Sherlock #RIPUnaStubbs pic.twitter.com/HiZCBMTwkA
— Jo Day (@JoDay18) August 12, 2021
Her agent confirmed Stubbs’ passing on Thursday, with the actress having died at her home in Edinburgh surrounded by her family. The same agent also told the BBC that Stubbs had been ill for some time, though the exact cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Stubbs’ illustrious career began in 1958 where she was the ‘cover girl’ for Rowntree’s dairy box chocolates. Then, having had a few minor television appearances as a dancer, Stubbs got her big break in Cliff Richards’ 1963 Summer Holiday, and then again appeared in his next film Wonderful Life.
Her breakthrough in television comedy came in playing Rita, the married daughter of Alf Garnett in the BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part. She played Rita for just under a decade, then made numerous appearances in special episodes.
Rest in Peace, Una Stubbs. Shocked at this news. Such a great actress. Sad news. Thoughts go out to her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/BNALjwlbLO
— Sarah Lancashire (@SarahLancsUK) August 12, 2021
Then, in 1971, Stubbs worked with Cliff Richard again on his own BBC show It’s Cliff Richard. However, she did not return after having her baby and was replaced by her TV mother Dandy Nichols. Then, for four seasons of Worzel Gummidge, she played Aunt Sally alongside other British TV giants like Barbara Windsor and Jon Pertwee.
Stubbs became a regular face on some of the most beloved British TV shows, including Midsommer murders, Heartbeat, Casualty, Keeping up appearances, Born and Bred, and The Worst Witch. Alongside flourishing broadway performances, the Hertfordshire-born actress also appeared in The Catherine Tate Show, Agatha Christie’s Marple, Eastenders, Benidorm, and of course her iconic performance as Mrs Hudson in Sherlock.
Fans online are obviously heartbroken by the news. “I’m sorry about to hear of passing. She was a regular on TV when I was growing up & seemed timeless. I loved her as Aunt Sally with Jon Pertwee in Worzel Gummidge.”
Stubbs is survived by her three children and her contributions to British arts.
RIP the wonderful Una Stubbs. I remember her best working with Dick Emery and also Cliff Richard in Summer Holiday. She was 84. pic.twitter.com/scV1In6nS5
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) August 12, 2021
More to follow…
