Una Stubbs 'should have been a dame', argues grieving pal Christopher Biggins

Christopher Biggins has said that it was a "shame" that the late Una Stubbs had not been made a dame

The beloved Sherlock and Summer Holiday actress died at the age of 84 on Thursday after being ill for a few months.

Una was survived by her three sons Joe and Christian Henson and Jason Gilmore who said in a statement: "Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times."

Now on Good Morning Britain on Friday, Una's friend Christopher Biggins has lamented to presenters Kate Garraway and Charlotte Hawkins that the late actress was not honoured with a damehood.

Actress Una Stubbs died on August 12 after months of illness (Getty Images)

Christopher said of Una: "She was so clever in everything that she did. Of course, she started off with Cliff Richard. The scene in that bus. She was giving it all. She was wonderful."

Charlotte then added that so many people have "so many lovely memories" of all of her roles, ranging from Sherlock to EastEnders and to Worzel Gummidge.

The presenter noted that she "really had something special".

Christopher Biggins has said it was a "shame" that Una Stubbs was not made a dame (ITV)

Christopher agreed that she "really did" and described her as a "consummate professional who brought so much fun and joy to everybody who worked with her and saw her and appreciated her...she was wonderful".

However, Christopher noted a regret about Una's career and that was that she did not receive more recognition.

He concluded: "I think, you know, it's a great shame she never became a dame because I think she would have been a wonderful dame and I think she deserved it somehow, it was marvellous."

Biggins was speaking with Charlotte Hawkins and Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain (ITV)

Kate and Charlotte noted that she seemed underrated as she was recognised more for her comedic work than her drama which she excelled at and Christopher agreed.

T ributes have poured in for Una after her death was announced.

Her agent Rebecca Blond told the BBC: "We are desperately sad to have lost not only a wonderful actress, whose screen and stage career, spanning over 50 years, was so extraordinarily varied, from Till Death Us Do Part to Sherlock, as well as memorable performances in the West End, at the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre, but also a wickedly funny, elegant, stylish, graceful, gracious and kind and constant friend.

"She was also a highly respected and exhibited artist."

*Good Morning Britain airs on weekday mornings from 6am to 9am on ITV with past episodes on ITV Hub.