Actor Pauline Collins dies aged 85

Shirley Valentine actor Pauline Collins has died at the age of 85.

Her family her family announced the news in a statement to the PA news agency.

"We are heartbroken to announce that Pauline Collins died peacefully at her care home in Highgate this week, having endured Parkinson’s for several years," read the statement.

"She was surrounded by her family."

Collins made a name for herself with her 1971 role in the television series Upstairs Downstairs.

In 1989, the actor played the lead character in the film Shirley Valentine, earning her an Oscar nomination.

Before taking to the big screen, Collins performed the same role in the 1988 West End production, winning her an Olivier Award for best actress.

"Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen," the statement continued.

"She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own.'

"More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years," it added.

"She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers, so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her."

Before acting, Collins worked as a teacher. She took on part-time acting, landing her first television role in Emergency Ward 10.

Collins was made an OBE in 2001 for her services to drama.

"Pauline Collins was a remarkable star," said her husband John Alderton.

"I had the great good fortune to have worked with her more than any other actor in our many TV series, films and West End stage shows together, and watched her genius at close quarters."

"What I saw was not only her brilliant range of diverse characters but her magic of bringing out the best in all of the people she worked with. She wanted everyone to be special and she did this by never saying 'Look at me’. It’s no wonder that she was voted the nation’s sweetheart in the 1970s."

"Her greatest performance was as my wife and mother to our beautiful children."

CMAT payed tribute to the late actor in an Instagram story, calling Collins "the CMAT blueprint".