Hi-de-Hi! star Ruth Madoc has sadly died aged 79.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, her agent said: "It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much-loved client Ruth Madoc.
"Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which had led her to have to withdraw from panto in Torquay.
"From film work such as Fiddler On The Roof and Under Milk Wood with Richard Burton and her iconic TV performance as Gladys Pugh in Hi De Hi! and more recently in Little Britain and on stage with Calendar Girls (the play and the musical), plus recent acclaim in short films Skinny Fat and Cardiff, she was truly a national treasure and was looking forward to getting back on the road in 2023 with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
"A real legend of the British entertainment scene she was one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many. She is gone far too soon. Our hearts are broken!
"Thoughts are with her daughter Lowri, her son Rhys and all of her family."
The news is a devastating blow to her family, friends and fans, who were hoping she'd make a recovery following an accident earlier in the week.
After being rushed to hospital, a statement was shared by her team notifying them that she'd have to cancel her appearance in a pantomime of Aladdin at the Princess Theatre in Torquay.
Following the statement, Ruth herself added: "Hiya everyone, please don’t worry! I’m well and I’ll soon be back to normal, but unfortunately @princesstheatretorquay won’t get to have The Empress Gladys in the Panto this Christmas."
Tributes continue to pour in for the late star amid the news of her passing, including one from Gold TV Channel which wrote: "We are all deeply saddened at Gold to learn that the wonderful Ruth Madoc has passed away at 79.
"Audiences adored her as Gladys Pugh in Hi-De-Hi! Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult and sad time."
A fan of the star added on Twitter: "RIP Ruth Madoc. What an underrated programme Hi-de-Hi is, and she was always brilliant."
Another said: "Rest in peace Ruth Madoc. She once lived in my street many years ago. We would ring her telephone number and shout Hi Di Hi when she answered.
"She always said Ho Di Ho back. Lovely lady."
"Very sad news - Ruth Madoc, best known as Hi-de-Hi's Gladys Pugh has died aged 79," added a third.
While a fourth said: "RIP the wonderful #RuthMadoc, Gladys from #HideHi.
"A true comedy legend."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
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Daisy Phillipson