'Hi-de-Hi!' actress Ruth Madoc dies at 79 after surgery for accidental fall, tributes remember 'real legend'

'Hi-de-Hi!' actress Ruth Madoc dies at 79 after surgery for accidental fall, tributes remember 'real legend'
Ruth Madoc attends the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2019 at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

NORWICH, UNITED KINGDOM: Popular British actress and singer, Ruth Madoc, who was popularly known for her role as Gladys Pugh in the 1980s BBC television comedy 'Hi-de-Hi!,' has died at the age of 79, her agent has confirmed. Madoc was rushed to hospital this week after a fall which forced her to cancel her pantomime commitment this winter. The BAFTA award nominee gave an update to her fans on Friday, December 9, and reassured them that she was on the mend. 

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"Hiya everyone, please don't worry!" she said according to Daily Mail. "I'm well and I'll soon be back to normal, but unfortunately @princesstheatretorquay won't get to have The Empress Gladys in the Panto this Christmas!!! I'm doing really well and will soon be back to normal!" Madoc was described as "one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many" by Phil Belfield of talent agency Belfield & Ward Ltd in a statement.