Ruth Madoc, best known for her role as Gladys Pugh in camp sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, has died at the age of 79.
The actress had been due to appear in a panto performance of Aladdin in Torquay this month but was forced to pull out after she suffered a fall.
In a statement, her agent said that she died in hospital having undergone surgery for her injuries.
"It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much-loved client Ruth Madoc," the statement read.
"Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday 9 December 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!"
Madoc is survived by son Rhys and daughter Lowri.
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