Actress Ruth Madoc has died aged 79 after being rushed to hospital following a fall and telling her fans not to worry.
The Welsh actress was best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the show Hi-de-Hi! from 1980 to 1988. She passed away on Friday after being taken to hospital after a fall and being forced to pull out of a pantomime.
Before her death she wrote on Instagram, saying “Hiya everyone please don’t worry! I’m well and I’ll soon be back to normal, but unfortunately @princesstheatretorquay won’t get to have The Empress Gladys in the Panto this Christmas!!! I’m doing really well and will soon be back to normal.”
Tributes quickly poured in for Ruth following the announcement, with singer Paul Potts writing: “So sad. I’ve sat with her at many charity functions. Lovely person.”
Late actor John Challis’ wife Carol said: “Sad news indeed. John and I did a panto season with Ruth and we enjoyed her company very much. Rest easy.”
And Peep Show star Jim Howick added: “Farewell Ruth Madoc.”