Juliette Kaplan, who played Pearl Sibshaw in the classic long-running sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, has died.

Kaplan, who appeared in the programme for a quarter of a century from 1985 to 2010, had celebrated her eightieth birthday last week. She also appeared in Coronation Street.

Her agent Barry Langford posted the news on Twitter: "Our Pearl", has finally succumbed to the cancer she has bravely battled for so long. Thank you everyone who sent their love and support to this fearless and supremely gifted actress. As she said, "Ta-ta and it's been fun".  #LastOfTheSummerWine  #RIP #Pearl"

Back in July Langford had tweeted that Kaplan was ill and in a hospice. "She has asked me to thank everyone who has sent their good wishes and, in her words, to say "ta-ta and it's been fun". She's a very brave lady."

Hundreds of fans of Kaplan and the sitcom sent their support and best wishes. 

More here.