Actress Dame June Whitfield has died at the age of 93, her agent has confirmed.
Dame June was known for her roles in sitcoms such as Terry and June and Absolutely Fabulous. Her career stretched back to the 1940s.
The comic had been made a dame by Prince Charles at a Buckingham Palace ceremony in November last year.
Tributes poured in for Londoner Dame June, who was from Kingston-upon-Thames, after news of her death on Saturday night.
Jon Plowman, who produced Absolutely Fabulous, tweeted on Saturday: "Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield.
"There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just 'place' a line, always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit!"
He added: "A great loss."
Broadcaster Danny Baker hailed Dame June as "formidable, dependable, inimitable". He added: "A rock. A gem."
Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner also paid tribute to Dame June on Twitter, saying she was the "go-to comedy actress for three generations".
He said: "From 60s radio to 70s, 80s, even 90s TV. Always graceful and elegant with a real comic glint in her eye and (absolutely) fabulous timing."
She was also praised by the Age UK charity, which said it was "devastated" at the news.
"June was a huge supporter of the work we do," it added, "and we'll all miss her greatly."
Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said in a statement: "June Whitfield was the North Star of British comedy.
"Her spectacular career is unparalleled in its longevity, with seven decades of being a key element in numerous high profile and successful shows.
"She was the go-to female comedy performer of her generation and was always in demand from the cream of British comedy.
"She led the way for female comedy and we owe her enormous respect. Our thoughts go out to family and friends at this sad time."
Dame June's agent confirmed on Saturday that she "passed away peacefully last night".
As well as TV shows, Dame June also appeared in numerous Radio 4 productions, and played Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
