Yahoo News EastEnders pays tribute as Lynda Baron passes away
EastEnders has paid tribute to actress Lynda Baron, who has passed away at the age of 82.
Lynda starred in the soap as Linda Clarke, the mother of Jane Beale and Christian Clarke, taking on three separate guest turns in 2006, 2008-2009 and 2016.
EastEnders has shared a tribute to the actress on Twitter, posting a photo of her laughing on set and writing: "We're deeply saddened to hear that Lynda Baron has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Lynda's family and friends."
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Linda first arrived on Albert Square for Jane's wedding to Ian Beale and she immediately caused a stir, revealing Jane's real name to be Lesley and berating both Jane and Ian.
In her later stints, she enjoyed a very brief fling with Patrick Trueman and supported Jane after she was attacked by her stepson, Bobby Beale. She was last seen returning to her home in Florida.
Actor John Partridge, who played Christian on the soap, has shared his own tribute to his on-screen mum, posting a photo of them together on Twitter and writing: "Absolutely heartbroken... The showgirls showgirl! She was so very gracious, giving and a RIOT to boot. Night night Mum."
Lynda had a long career in show business and was also well known for her role as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in sitcom Open All Hours, a role which she reprised in sequel series Still Open All Hours.
Another of her major television roles was as Auntie Mabel in 1990s children's programme, Come Outside, while she also made appearances in Doctor Who, Last Of The Summer Wine and dinnerladies.
Lynda also starred in 2010 drama The Road to Coronation Street as actress Violet Carson, who played Ena Sharples in Coronation Street, and earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
Former Corrie actress Sally Lindsay, who played Shelley Unwin, has also shared a tribute to the late star, writing on Twitter: "I loved Lynda Baron. She was funny and clever and a joy to work with, and she once gifted me a pair of beautiful red shoes. This has made me very sad. RIP Lynda darling ".
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Lynda's agent, Donna French, has released a statement (via The Mirror) about the sad news, saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron.
"She was a wonderful actress and a great friend. Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in Open All Hours and Aunt Mabel in Come Outside were loved by all generations. Renowned for her leading roles in West End musicals and dramatic productions alike, we have lost a leading light of our world.
"We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter Sarah, her son Morgan and all her family."
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
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