Veteran comic actress June Whitfield has died aged 93

Veteran comic actress June Whitfield has died aged 93, her agent has confirmed.

The star enjoyed a career stretching back to the 1940s, including roles in the Carry On films and the long-running sitcom Terry And June.

She was made a dame in the 2017 Birthday Honours for her services to drama and entertainment in a career spanning eight decades.

Ms Whitfield’s agent said she “passed away peacefully last night”.

Absolutely Fabulous stars lead tribute to Whitfield

Her co-star on the show Julia Sawalha paid a touching tribute to her fiend and teacher in an online post, tenderly calling the late actress “Gran”.

Joanna Lumley has described herself as “heartbroken” at the news of her friend’s passing.

Thank you #damejunewhitfield,for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my https://t.co/2wc2G3bQ0G were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.🙏🏻💕

— Julia Sawalha (@JuliaSawalha1) December 29, 2018

“You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.”

Fellow Ab Fab actress Lumley appeared on ITV news to share her sadness at the death of her co-star.

She said: “I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab.

“She will always have a most special place in my heart.”

Fellow TV comic actor David Walliams also offered his appreciation for the talents of Whitfield, calling her achievements in entertainment “brilliant”.

#JuneWhitfield ‘s incredible career in British comedy stretched all the way from ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’ to ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. She was always there, always being brilliant. @ferrifrump wrote June one of the funniest lines in television history… https://t.co/zFeBkCgksY

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) December 29, 2018