One of the UK’s best loved comedy performers, Victoria Wood, has died aged 62 following a short battle with cancer.
The multi-talented writer, actor, comedian, singer and songwriter was discovered in the 1970s on BBC talent show New Faces, and went on to write and star in numerous comedy hits including Dinnerladies, As Seen On TV and Acorn Antiques.
Wood’s staggeringly successful career saw the warm-hearted performer make a few rare but cherished forays into theatre. In 2005 she made her musical theatre debut with her own production, Acorn Antiques: The Musical, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket under the direction of Trevor Nunn.
In 2009 she returned to the world of theatre to direct a revival of her 1978 hit comedy Talent at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Shortly after today’s sad news was announced, thousands of friends, fans and colleagues took to social media to leave their tributes to the multi BAFTA winner.
Among the numerous accolades and awards Wood was adorned with during her life, the star was appointed OBE in 1997 and later CBE in 2008.