Bella Emberg dies - Russ Abbot pays tribute to '˜comedy talent'

Russ Abbot has paid tribute to former co-star Bella Emberg after her death aged 80.
Bella Emberg has died aged 80. Picture: PABella Emberg has died aged 80. Picture: PA
Bella Emberg has died aged 80. Picture: PA

Abbot described the comedy actress, who appeared alongside him as Blunderwoman on The Russ Abbot Show, as “a huge comedy talent” and “a woman of immense warmth and generosity”.

During a television career spanning six decades, Emberg appeared in several hit programmes including The Benny Hill Show, Doctor Who and Z Cars.

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Most recently she had just finished filming In The Long Run, a Sky One comedy created by Idris Elba, according to the BBC.

Russ Abbot and Bella Emberg in 'Russ Abbot's Madhouse' April 1985. Picture: ITV/ShutterstockRuss Abbot and Bella Emberg in 'Russ Abbot's Madhouse' April 1985. Picture: ITV/Shutterstock
Russ Abbot and Bella Emberg in 'Russ Abbot's Madhouse' April 1985. Picture: ITV/Shutterstock

However it was her turn as Blunderwoman, the comic sidekick of Abbot’s Cooperman in the 1980s, that she will be best remembered.

In a statement issued to the Press Association, Abbot, 70, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I heard the news about Bella. She was not only a great sport but a huge comedy talent.

“A genuinely funny woman, but most of all a woman of immense warmth and generosity. I count myself very lucky to have worked alongside her.

“She really was a one off. RIP Bella”

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