Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy has paid tribute to Dame Penelope Keith, who had died aged 86: “All of us at BBC Comedy are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith. She was one of the defining figures of British television comedy. Her iconic performance as Margo in The Good Life remains one of the nation’s most beloved sitcom roles and continues to delight audiences today. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all of those who had the privilege of working with her.”

In a change to scheduled programming, a classic episode from the third series of The Good Life will be shown at 7pm this evening on BBC Two, as war breaks out between the Goods and the Leadbetters - proving there is nothing like a good fight over the fence to cement relationships.

Tributes have flooded in following the announcement of Dame Penelope Keith's death. A family statement said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years."

"The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

Felicity Kendall who co-starred with Keith in The Good Life said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Penelope’s death. The shows I worked on with her were such special times in our lives and demonstrated her comic genius. My heart goes out to her beloved Rodney at this time – theirs was a great love story and partnership. She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed.”

Gyles Brandreth called Dame Penelope as "such a special lady - a wonderful actress, a real friend, so funny, so generous with the time she gave to good causes". He added: "Hers was indeed a good life."

Sue Perkins called her the  “creator of some of the greatest sitcom characters of all time.”

London's Theatreland will dim their lights in Keith’s memory for two minutes on 1 July at 7pm. Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre co-chief executive Claire Walker said: “We are proud to come together and honour the life and extraordinarily prolific career of Dame Penelope Keith, who will undoubtedly be remembered for many years to come as one of this country’s most venerated actors.”

All episodes of the BBC Comedies that Penelope was best known for, The Good Life and To The Manor Born, are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Image: BBC