Gavin & Stacey star dies

Actress passed away in hospital...

10:01 03 February 2011

Margaret John, star of Gavin and Stacey, has died in hospital after a short illness.

Mrs John who played StaceyÂ’s flirtatious next door neighbour in the BBC series passed away in Swansea on 2 February.

Her co-stars have paid tribute to the 84-year-old, who found fame later in life with the part.

James Corden, who played Smithy in the show, said: “All my thoughts are with the family of Margaret. A great actress and an incredible lady, she will be missed.”

Mathew Horne who played Gavin, posted on his Twitter page: “Really sad to hear Margaret John has passed away. She was such a good woman and so fun to work with.”

Although best known for her role as Doris in the sitcom, the Swansea-born actress had a long and distinguished career.

Her early career included a stint in Coronation Street, as well as appearances in Z Cars, Dr Who, Emmerdale and Dixon of Dock Green.

Since the comedy ended last year, Mrs John appeared in the stage production of Calendar Girls.

She married at 48, but her husband Ben died just three years later. They had no children.