When legendary actress Wendy Richard was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in January 2008, she decided she wanted to make a film to help other people in a similar situation, so in November, she began filming what was to be her final TV appearance, other than those that are thankfully stored for posterity in any number of archives.

“I was terrified about what chemotherapy involved” she said. “I’d heard all sorts of rumours and I was frightened, but yet I knew having refused it when I had cancer the last time, that now I really needed to get stuck in… Read more & comment »

Tribute was paid today to actress Wendy Richard, who has died at the age of 65.

Director-General, Mark Thompson, said: “I am enormously saddened by the news of Wendy’s death. Her countless BBC appearances across decades, especially as Miss Brahms in Are You Being Served? and then as Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, lit up living rooms for millions of British families who regarded her as a member of the family. That was an enormous achievement.

“Millions of viewers and listeners across the world will mourn her passing today and and she will be hugely missed.”

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Wendy Richard has died at age 65 her agent has confirmed.

The actress best known for her role as Pauline Fowler in BBC soap Eastedners revealed last year that she was suffering from terminal cancer and had only a few months left to live.

Her agent Kevin Francis said: “She was incredibly brave and retained her sense of humour right to the end.”

Francis said the star passed away in the Harley Street Clinic in London with her husband by her side.