Oxo Mum Lynda Bellingham Diagnosed with Cancer at 65

Lynda Bellingham has pulled out of a major theatre tour after she was diagnosed with cancer.

The 65-year-old actress and presenter, who became a household name as the Oxo mum in the 1980s commercials, said she was devastated by the diagnosis and would be undergoing treatment.

She also confirmed that has postponed a UK tour of Kay Mellor's play, A Passionate Woman.

"I'm devastated not to be able to honour my commitments to the play this year," she said.

"But having toured many times before, I'm aware of the sheer stamina needed and I need to prioritise my recovery.

"That said, nothing's going to stop me coming back next year, and I can't wait to be 'a passionate woman'."

It has not been revealed what type of cancer she is battling and no further details of her condition have been made public.

A Passionate Woman - written by the Band of Gold creator - was due to start its run at the Sheffield Lyceum in September.

The theatre's artistic director Daniel Evans said: "A Passionate Woman is an extraordinary play about an extraordinary woman, and that woman is Lynda Bellingham.

"She is the heart of this production, and it's inconceivable that we would do it without her.

"Our priority is to Lynda and her health and we look forward to welcoming her back soon."

Bellingham is a regular panellist on Loose Women and was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.

She also presents Country House Sunday on ITV, a weekly show in which she explores stately homes around Britain.

The Canadian-born actress has long been a supporter of charities such as Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support since her sister Barbara died from lung cancer.