Lynda Bellingham, who had been battling cancer since 2013, passed away “in her husband’s arms” yesterday (October 19), her agent confirmed.
Bellingham has been a well known face on British television since the 1970s, and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her charity work earlier this year.
Most of us will fondly remember here from the long-running Oxo adverts as the mother of the family that we watched grow up over the years, played Helen Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, and portrayed The Inquisitor in Doctor Who’s ‘The Trial of a Time Lord‘ story.
She has also been one of the panellists on the ITV daytime show Loose Women from 2007 to 2011.
In a statement on behalf of Bellingham’s family, Sue Latimer said:
“Lynda died peacefully in her husband’s arms yesterday at a London hospital.
“Her family would like to thank the nurses and staff for their tremendous care and support.
“Actor, writer and presenter – to the end Lynda was a consummate professional.”
Lynday Bellingham revealed last month that her cancer battle had worsened and that she had chosen to stop chemotherapy and was hoping to spend one last Christmas with her loving family.
Last month here husband, Michael Pattemore paid tribute to his wife and explained that she was “very much at peace with everything“.
“The past ten years with Lynda have been the best of my life,”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Believe it or not, we’ve never even argued, which I think is probably because we share the same sense of humour.
“She’s so funny when she’s telling her jokes and so genuinely kind, not to mention so talented. And she’s probably one of the most loving mothers I’ve ever seen.”
Sad News Spreads on Twitter for Lynda Bellingham
Just heard about @LyndaBellingham passing over. So utterly sad. a kind, brilliant and wonderful woman who will be missed by millions x
— Gok Wan MBE ? (@therealgokwan) October 20, 2014
https://twitter.com/MacmillanCymru/status/524113264633204736
https://twitter.com/loosewomen/status/524109704382124032
Such sad news to walke up to R.I.P #LyndaBellingham such a brave & beautiful lady taken to see. Sleep peaceful sweetheart ? ?? @loosewomen
— LooseLadies Official (@looseladies) October 20, 2014
After a wonderful career, Lynda Bellingham's legacy will be what she did in the past few weeks. To face cancer with dignity & strength. RIP
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) October 20, 2014
Lovely Lynda Bellingham – how terribly sad –
— Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair) October 20, 2014
So devastated to hear the news about the beautiful Lynda Bellingham. http://t.co/U7Q5emNXww
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) October 20, 2014
RIP Gorgeous Lynda Bellingham xx ?
— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) October 20, 2014
https://twitter.com/DrWhoWorldwide/status/524128263757905920
We here at Blazing Minds, send our thoughts and love to Lynda’s family and friends and this time.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
