Jonathan Ross has shared a heartfelt tribute to his mother Martha, who has passed away aged 79.
The TV presenter confirmed the sad news in an emotional post on his Twitter account this morning.
Sharing a photo of the late actress, he wrote: “Today, my Family and I will gather to say goodbye to our Mum, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Martha.
“A wonderful, loving, glamorous, thoughtful, vivacious woman.
“Always smiling. Always happy. Always putting us first. We were so lucky to have her. We love you Mum.”
The actress had background roles in BBC shows Grange Hill and EastEnders, though she left the soap in 2006 after disclosing plot details to her son Paul, who then shared the storyline on his LBC radio show.
Ross’s famous friends were quick to send their condolences to the host. Martha’s EastEnders co-star Shane Richie leading the tributes with happy memories from their time together on the show.
“What a lady, what a b***** great lady,” he wrote. “I remember how nervous I was on my very 1st day on Albert sq back in 2002 and she just held my hand… she had a heart bigger than any fictional market… thank you Martha.”
Loose Women’s Andrea McLean added: “I’m so sad to hear this Jonathan. Sending the Ross Clan hugs from the Mclean Clan.”
Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar tweeted: “Sending love and strength to you and the family Jonathan.”
