Actress Pauline Collins has died at the age of 85 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years ago.

Her family confirmed she died ‘peacefully’ surrounded by loved ones in her North London care home.

They said in a statement: ‘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. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

‘She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.’

Collins was Oscar-nominated for her role as the leading lady in the 1989 romantic comedy, which was the highest-

See Full Page