Tributes are paid to Sherlock and Worzel Gummidge actress Una Stubbs, who has died aged 84

Virgin Radio

13 Aug 2021, 14:19

Whether you know her from Sherlock, Eastenders, Summer Holiday, Till Death Us Do Part or, like so many people of a certain age, as Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge, Una Stubbs was a much-loved figure on our screens for decades.

The actress has died after a few months of illness, her agent Rebecca Blond confirmed to the BBC yesterday (August 12th).

Tributes have since been pouring in. Benedict Cumberbatch said in a statement provided to Metro: “Una was a wonderful, talented, stylish, gentle,  joyous and honest friend. A joy to work with, to laugh with and to make laugh." 

In Sherlock, Stubbs portrayed Holmes and Watson's landlady, Mrs Hudson. Cumberbatch continued, saying that she was “so humble and yet so damn good. She lit up the room and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, but she will be remembered forever with fondness and love.’

Mark Gatiss, who also starred in Sherlock, said, “She was a wonderful, wonderful woman and a great and serenely graceful actor. Mischief was in her blood.”

Tributes have also come in from numerous other celebrities, including Paul Weller, Elaine Paige, Victoria Coren Mitchell, and Griff Rhys Jones.

Elsewhere, Celebrity Gogglebox’s Gyles Brandreth described her as “Such a funny, lovely, gifted lady - a marvellous actress with a special style & a great (and impish) sense of humour.”

Actress, dancer and singer Bonnie Langford said: “Such a loss. She made everything look so effortless. A consummate professional, kind, gracious, elegant, versatile and fun. Her Aunt Sally was a masterclass alone. Condolences and love to those loved ones left behind.”

As well as having an incredible television career, Stubbs was also a star of the stage. Her agent, Rebecca Blond, who represented her for over two decades, said, “We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.”

In a statement, Stubbs’ three sons, Joe Henson, Christian Henson, and Jason Gilmore said: “Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times.”