Dibley star Emma dies aged just 53
The Vicar Of Dibley star Emma Chambers has died aged 53.
A statement from her agency yesterday said the actress died from natural causes, adding: “Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many.”
She was best known for playing Alice Tinker in the BBC comedy show The Vicar Of Dibley which starred Dawn French.
In 1998, Chambers won the British Comedy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the show.
A year later, she found international fame in the Hugh Grant comedy Notting Hill, written by Richard Curtis.
Broadcaster Emma Freud, who is married to Richard Curtis, tweeted: “Our beautiful friend Emma Chambers has died at the age of 53. We’re very, very sad.”
The Vicar Of Dibley originally ran from 1994 to 1998 but returned for numerous festive and comic relief specials, with the latest episode airing as recently as 2015.
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who grew up in Doncaster near Chambers, wrote: “I’m sad about Emma Chambers.
“Knew her when she was a kid in Doncaster. She was very funny.”
Hollywood star Hugh Grant wrote: “Emma Chambers was a hilarious and very warm person and of course a brilliant actress. Very sad news.”