Pauline Collins dead: Shirley Valentine star dies aged 85 after Parkinson's battle

Pauline Collins has died aged 85 after battling Parkinson's disease for several years, her family has confirmed. Collins was surrounded by her loved ones as she passed away "peacefully" at her care home in Highgate, north London. In a statement, her family said: "Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

"She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine - a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them. More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John (Alderton)'s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years."

The statement added: "We particularly want to thank her carers: angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love. She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her."

Collins starred in the first series of the BBC sitcom The Liver Birds in 1969 before becoming a household name thanks to her role as maid Sarah Moffat in the British period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, in the early 70s.

She also made appearances in TV shows such as the Upstairs, Downstairs spin-off Thomas & Sarah (1979), Forever Green (1989) and The Ambassador (1998).

Collins was recognised for her performance in the one-woman stage play Shirley Valentine, winning an Olivier award for best actress.

She reprised in the 1989 film adaptation, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

Pauline married John Alderton in 1969 and the couple frequently appeared together on stage and screen, including Upstairs, Downstairs. They had three children - Nicholas, Kate and Richard.

She continued acting later in life, appearing in TV series including Doctor Who, Marple, Merlin and Mount Pleasant. Her final acting role came in 2017, when she starred as Priscilla in The Time of Their Lives.

Pauline is survived by her husband John, their three children and grandchildren.