'The vamp from the Valleys': Stars pay tribute to late Ruth Madoc

Jeffrey Holland has paid tribute to "the vamp from the Valleys", Ruth Madoc, following her death.

The Welsh actress passed away in hospital on Friday (09.12.22) after undergoing surgery for a fall she had suffered earlier this week, and her former 'Hi-de-Hi' co-star was among the first to publicly reflect on the loss of his friend.

Sharing a photo of himself as Spike Dixon and Ruth as Gladys Pugh in the beloved sitcom, he tweeted: "We have lost our lovely “Vamp from the Valleys” What an unexpected shock! Ruth may have gone but she has left us an eternal comic legacy in Gladys Pugh!(sic)"

Sir Tony Robinson, who worked with Ruth in 2009, also paid tribute to the late actress, who was 79 when she died.

The 'Blackadder' legend wrote: "So sad to hear my lovely friend Ruth Madoc has passed. She was not only funny and highly intelligent, she was smart, kindly, a loyal trade unionist, and wore her heart on the left. She'll be much missed."

Former 'Family Fortunes' presenter Les Dennis and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth both remembered the 'Skinny Fat' actress as "lovely".

Les tweeted: "So very sad to hear that lovely Ruth Madoc has passed away. She was such a talented and lovely woman. Thoughts with her family."

Gyles wrote: "This is such sad news. Ruth was a very lovely person - and a wonderfully gifted actress. I was lucky enough to get to know her through my best friend from school, Simon Cadell. In Hi-De-Hi they were irresistible. RIP Ruth Madoc and thanks for the memories. Goodbye campers!(sic)"

Matt Lucas and David Walliams, who worked with Ruth on 'Little Britain' said they were "shocked and saddened" by her death.

They said in a statement: "We are both shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Ruth Madoc. We grew up watching her iconic and genius performance as Gladys Pugh in 'Hi-De-Hi' and were thrilled when she agreed to come on board 'Little Britain' as Dafydd's mum. She was brilliant in the show and an absolute delight to work with. We send our love and condolences to her family."