Update: Radio 4 is airing an interview with June Whitfield and Joanna Lumley at 1.30pm today (Sunday)
Comedy legend Dame June Whitfield has died. She was 93.
Whitfield was a stalwart of British comedy from the post-war years to the present day. She first found fame on radio and later went on to find television fame in the sitcom Terry and June before finding a whole new audience as the mum in Absolutely Fabulous.
She was born in London on 11 November 1925 and her mother enrolled her at a local dancing school at an early age. She then attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). She also worked alongside Tony Hancock, Benny Hill and Dick Emery and appeared in numerous Carry On films and EastEnders and was made a Dame in 1992.
Tributes have been flooding in. Her Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley tweeted: "Sad news just in.. The brilliant and gorgeous June Whitfield has sadly passed away at the age of 93. Thoughts go out to her family and friends."
Helen Lederer, who also appeared in Absolutely Fabulous with Whitfield, tweeted: "To add to tributes - June Whitfield during #AbsolutelyFabulous - a wizz at the crossword , perfection with feed lines and kindness itself"
Jenny Eclair tweeted: "Beautiful, funny June Whitfield- a friendly Goddess"
Rory Bremner tweeted: "RIP June Whitfield- go-to comedy actress for 3 generations, from 60s radio to 70s, 80s, even 90s TV. Always graceful & elegant with a real comic glint in her eye & (absolutely) fabulous timing."
Danny Baker quoted a line from Hancock and wrote: "And blood is blood Mr Hancock, the world over, it is classified by groups and not by accidents of birth!" June Whitfield. Formidable, dependable, inimitable. A rock. A gem."
David Walliams wrote: "#JuneWhitfield ‘s incredible career in British comedy stretched all the way from ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’ to ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. She was always there, always being brilliant. @ferrifrump wrote June one of the funniest lines in television history..."
Josie Lawrence wrote: "RIP beautiful wonderful talented June Whitfield. Loved her."
