The world of comedy is mourning the loss of Victoria Wood, who has sadly died at the age of 62, following a short battle with cancer.
With a career as a stand-up performer, actress and writer spanning decades, Victoria was one of the most influential stars in British comedy.
Several of the comedians she both worked with and inspired shared their grief on social media after news of her death broke.
Among those leading the tributes were her fellow British comedy stars, including Jennifer Saunders, David Walliams and Sarah Milican:
Outside the world of stand-up, other famous faces from across the entertainment industry - as well as Prime Minister David Cameron - were also quick to pay their respects on social media, following the sad and unexpected news of Victoria’s death.
The announcement of Victoria’s death on Wednesday (20 April) was followed by a post on her official Twitter page, which thanked well-wishers for their support, before adding a famous quote from Victoria herself: “Life’s not fair is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597.”
Tony Hall, director general at the BBC, has also added his voice to the tributes paying paid to Victoria, saying: "Victoria Wood was a woman with a stunning array of talents - a comedian, singer, songwriter, actress and director.
"People identified with her warmth and great charm. She brought people from all walks of life together and made them laugh and cry. She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family."
In addition to her stand-up specials, which usually mixed observational humour with live performances on the piano, Victoria also wrote sketch comedy, as well as the sitcoms ‘Acorn Antiques’ and ‘Dinnerladies’.
