Stars pay tribute to Blunder Woman
Russ Abbot has led tributes to former co-star Bella Emberg after her death aged 80.
The c ome d y star described the actress, who appeared alongside him as Blunder Woman on The Russ Abbot Show, as “a huge comedy talent” and “a woman of immense warmth and generosity”.
Abbot joined former co- star Les Dennis and personalities including Paul El l iott of the Chuckle Brothers and soap star Cher yl Fergison to pay tribute to Emberg.
Abbot, 70, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I heard the news about Bella. She was my leading lady throughout most of my career.
“She was not only a great sport but a huge comedy talent. A genuinely funny woman, but most of all a woman of immense warmth and generosity. I count myself very lucky to have worked alongside her.
“She really was a one-off. RIP Bella.”
Dennis, who appeared on The Russ Abbot Show, shared a photo of himself with Emberg on Twitter, saying he was “so sad” to lose a “funny, lovely friend”.
Elliott, who performed in pantomime with Emberg, remembered her as “the f unniest fai r y ever”, whi le EastEnders star Fergison said she was “lovable and always an inspiration”.
During a television career spanning six decades, Emberg appeared in several hit programmes including The Benny Hill Show, Doctor Who and Z Cars.