EastEnders' Margaret Tyzack dies

EastEnders' Margaret Tyzack dies
EastEnders' Margaret Tyzack dies (Image credit: PA)

Actress Margaret Tyzack has died after a short illness, her agent said. The 79-year-old, who made her name in The Forsyte Saga, recently appeared in EastEnders playing Lydia Simmonds, but had to withdraw after a short stint. A statement released by her agent said: "Margaret Tyzack CBE, the much-loved and respected actress, died peacefully at home on Saturday June 25 with her family by her side. "Maggie will be greatly missed by her family and friends and will be remembered for her outstanding contribution to the world of theatre, film and television and for the support and inspiration she gave to young actors." It is believed she had been suffering with cancer. She was awarded the CBE last year. Her career took off more than 40 years ago when she landed the role of Winifred, Soames's sister, in The Forsyte Saga in 1967. The TV serial was so popular vicars complained it was affecting attendance at Sunday evening services. Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer of EastEnders, said: "I'm so sad to hear the tragic news about Margaret. "Even though we only worked together for a brief time, Margaret made a great impact with EastEnders. She was a fabulous actress and an inspiration to us all and she will be sorely missed."

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.