Victoria Wood dead: Julie Walters pays emotional tribute to comedy partner

Julie Walters has paid an emotional tribute to Victoria Wood, 62, who died on 20 April following a short battle with cancer. The multi BAFTA award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian, died at her north London home surrounded by her family.

Walters and Woods had shared a long-running comedy partnership. Speaking of her passing, the actress said: "Too heart sore to comment. The loss of her is incalculable."

Mourning her passing, Wood's brother Chris Foote Wood, 75, said he was "proud" of his sister for all that she had achieved in her career. "It wasn't just that Victoria was hugely talented in so many different fields, she was also outstanding in her tremendous, single-minded drive and determination to pursue her chosen career," he told Mail online.

"Success did not come easily to Victoria, and it was only after years of struggle that she achieved her well-deserved national acclaim. I am hugely proud of what my sister has done so successfully in different fields of entertainment. It has been a privilege to have her as a sister, and particularly to have been able to observe at first hand how she developed her career from the earliest beginnings.

"Victoria's two children, my niece Grace and nephew Henry will be absolutely devastated to lose their mother at such a relatively young age."

The world of showbusiness and comedy has turned to social media to express shock and sadness at news of the passing of a comedy great. Fawlty Towers actor John Cleese said: "I worked with her last year and was reminded of just what a superlative performer she was. Only 62!"

Rory Bremner wrote: "No. NO. This is too much. Now lovely, warm, funny, brilliantly talented Victoria Wood has gone. Words, songs, plays, she wrote the lot. So sad."

Jack Dee tweeted: "I feel privileged to have known and worked with the great Victoria Wood. Unique and truly brilliant."

Ricky Gervais wrote: "RIP the brilliant Victoria Wood. So innovative, funny and down to earth. This has not been a good year."

Presenter Esther Rantzen said that as funny as she was, Wood used her success to support important causes. "She did a one-woman show for Childline where I felt hugely privileged to interview her and she told the story of her life with such wit. She just held us all enchanted for a whole evening," said Rantzen.

"I think she is one of our greatest comic writers and performers, but she could also deal with serious issue as well, and she's a huge loss."

Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC said Wood brought people together with her gift for comedy. "Victoria Wood was a woman with a stunning array of talents - a comedian, singer, songwriter, actress and director. People identified with her warmth and great charm. She brought people from all walks of life together and made them laugh and cry. She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family."

Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted his condolences writing: "Victoria Wood was a national treasure loved by millions. My thoughts are with her family."

Wood's long-term manager and friend, Phil McIntyre, said: 'Victoria has been a part of our lives as a friend, devoted mother and national treasure for 30 years. 'She was always modest, generous and undemanding. A super person and a super and unique talent. There will be an unfillable void left on all levels and we will miss her deeply.'

Expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support, her family posted a poignant message on her Twitter account. 'Thank you for your love and support at this very hard time. We leave you with these words from Victoria. X'

"'Life's not fair is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597."