Lynda Bellingham: Celebrities React to Oxo Star's Death

Much-loved British actress and TV presenter Lynda Bellingham passed away in her husband Michael's arms on Sunday [19 October]. She was 66.

Bellingham, who was best-known for starring in the Oxo adverts of the 1980s and 1990s and as a panellist on Loose Women, was battling colon cancer after being diagnosed with the disease last July.

She took the decision in August to stop her chemotherapy to limit her family's suffering after the cancer had spread to her liver and kidneys but she had hoped to enjoy one last Christmas.

A statement by her agent Sue Latimer, dated 20 October, read: "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."

Her death comes just days just days after she made an emotional return to Loose Women for one final appearance and told a fellow presenter: "Please don't cry... it will be fine."

Celebrities and the public alike have taken to Twitter to express their shock at the tragic news.

Our thoughts go to #lyndabellingham's family at this incredibly sad time and to all those who's lives she touch so deeply, as she did ours.
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) October 20, 2014

Lynda Bellingham, a gorgeous, brassy, funny, generous, talented human being. My first TV mother figure and and a treasured friend.
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) October 20, 2014

I loved my friend Lynda. I will miss her so much. xx
— Denise Welch (@RealDeniseWelch) October 20, 2014

So so sad to hear that the gorgeous Lynda Bellingham has passed away. She was just wonderful to be around- and will be sorely missed.
— Ben Shephard (@benshephard) October 20, 2014

Really sorry to hear Lynda Bellingham has died. What a brave and courageous woman she was, with a hilarious sense of humour. #inspiration
— michelle keegan (@michkeegan) October 20, 2014

So devastated to hear the news about the beautiful Lynda Bellingham. http://t.co/U7Q5emNXww
— OfficialAmandaHolden (@Amanda_Holden) October 20, 2014

RIP Beautiful Lynda Bellingham A real woman with a huge heart. This is why we all need to Stand Up To Cancer pic.twitter.com/hniRibrNio
— Mr Smith (@iMinstreI) October 20, 2014

Bellingham was born in Montreal, Canada, on May 31 1948 but was brought up in Aston Abbotts, Buckinghamshire.

She attended Aylesbury High School and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

She made her TV debut as a nurse on 1970s ITV soap, General Hospital, and also starred in a range of films including the Sweeney! and Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers.

Other prominent parts included starring roles in drama All Creatures Great and Small and 1990s show Faith In The Future with actor Simon Pegg.

Recently her husband Michael Pattemore, who married Bellingham in 2008, told Yours magazine: "Unfortunately it doesn't matter how positive I am on this one, the Good Lord is going to take her. End of.

"It's scary and it's going to create the biggest hole in my life."

Bellingham is survived by her husband, sons Michael and Robbie, and stepson, Bradley.