Emma Chambers, who memorably starred in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, has died. She was 53.

Chambers played dim but lovable Alice Tinker opposite Dawn French. She won a British Comedy Award for her performance in 1998.

The Doncaster-born star also appeared in the film Notting Hill, the sitcom How Do You Want Me? and the TV adaptation of Martin Chuzzlewit.

She is reported to have died from natural causes on Wednesday evening.

Her agency said: "Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many".

Chambers is survived by her husband, actor Ian Dunn.

Writer Emma Freud paid tribute, tweeting: "Our beautiful friend Emma Chambers has died at the age of 53. We're very very sad. She was a great, great comedy performer, and a truly fine actress. And a tender, sweet, funny, unusual, loving human being."

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