Tuesday, 28 June 2011

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SAD NEWS EastEnders actress dies after short illness

Margaret Tyzack passed away in her sleep at 79

Margaret Tyzack was also famed for her role as Winifred in The Forsyte Saga

Former EastEnders star Margaret Tyzack has died aged 79.

The actress, known to friends as 'Maggie', played Janine Butcher's gran Lydia Simmonds earlier this year before she was re-cast because of poor health.

Awarded an OBE in 1970 and a CBE in 2010, Margaret faced illness 'with the strength, courage, dignity and even humour with which she lived her life,' say her family.

The talented performer, who grew up in London's West Ham, studied at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art and enjoyed working in films and theatre as well as TV.

'So sad to hear the wonderful magnificent great Maggie Tyzack has died... She was soooo lovely x x,' fellow theatre star Russell Tovey, 29, Tweeted yesterday. 

SEE PICTURES Celebrity deaths 2010>>

Esme Riley