Lynda Bellingham dies following battle with cancer

Actress and presenter Lynda Bellingham died yesterday in her husband Michael's arms, her agent has said.

The actress decided to end her treatment on August 13th to limit the amount of suffering her family would witness.

In a statement on behalf of Bellingham's family, her agent, Sue Latimer, said: "Lynda died peacefully in her husband's arms yesterday evening at a London hospital. Her family, to whom she was devoted, would like to thank the nurses and staff for their tremendous care and support.

Bellingham fought her cancer in the open — appearing on television and radio talking about her illness and her decision to stop her treatment.

It was her final role and one she threw herself into with gusto — dealing openly and humorously with what she called “that curveball” of terminal cancer.

The actress and presenter insisted death should be confronted and discussed and made it her mission to transform it into a “positive” thing.

Her autobiography, called There’s Something I’ve Been Dying To Tell You, was published this month and included a typically frank discussion of her decision to live her last weeks on her own terms.

The star, best known for playing the Oxo mum in a series of adverts for the stock cubes, was a regular on our screens for decades.

She got her first taste of stage success at school before going on to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, followed by a steady succession of roles in theatre, film and television.

Prominent parts included playing Helen Herriot in All Creatures Great And Small, and the title role in sitcom Faith In The Future.

On stage, she appeared at the Old Vic and the Royal Court and in the West End production of Calendar Girls.

The 66-year-old was born in Montreal on May 31st, 1948 but she grew up near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

She married three times, had two sons and was awarded an OBE in 2013 for her charity work.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer little over a year ago, which later spread to her lungs and liver.

Bellingham was one of the presenters of ITV’s Loose Women and told her co-hosts she was “in a good place” when she made the decision to stop treatment, saying: “It is essential to feel you have some control of your life.”

In an emotional message, she told viewers: “Grasp it all, don’t be afraid, enjoy the bits you can and tell your family you love them while you have the chance.”

“As an actor, writer and presenter, Lynda was a consummate professional to the very end.

“Those of us privileged to have known her personally will miss the entertaining, life enhancing, true and honest friend that blessed our lives.”

Actor Simon Pegg, who starred with the actress in 1990s TV show Faith In The Future, said: "Lynda Bellingham, a gorgeous, brassy, funny, generous, talented human being. My first TV mother figure and a treasured friend."

Kirstie Allsopp said: "Lynda Bellingham, she was an inspiration, she so wanted to make it to Christmas, if you're working towards that, don't give up hope.

Bellingham’s pre-recorded farewell appearance on Loose Women is due to be screened on Wednesday.

Press Association