‘A great sport and a huge comedy talent’: Russ Abbott leads tributes to his ‘Blunderwoman’ co-star Bella Emberg as the actress dies aged 80
Tributes have poured in for British actress Bella Emberg, who passed away yesterday aged 80.
Former co-star Russ Abbot led tributes to the comedy actress. He described Emberg, who appeared as Blunderwoman on The Russ Abbot Show, as a 'huge comedy talent' and 'a woman of immense warmth and generosity'.
Abbot joined former co-star Les Dennis and other prominent personalities including comedian Paul Chuckle paid tribute to the legendary actress.
Emberg had just recently finished filming for In The Long Run, a Sky One comedy show created by Idris Elba.
Former co-star Russ Abbot (right) led tributes to the comedy actress Bella Emberg (left). Pictured: Emberg as Blunderwoman, the comic sidekick of Abbot's Cooperman in the 1980s
Abbot, 70, said: 'It is with a heavy heart that I heard the news about Bella. She was my leading lady throughout most of my career.
'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.'
Les Dennis, who appeared on The Russ Abbot Show, shared a picture of himself with Emberg on Twitter, saying he was 'so sad' to lose a 'funny, lovely friend'.
John Challis, who played Boycie from Only Fools and Horses, shared an image of Emberg, adding: 'Sad news. Goodbye to Bella Emberg.'
Paul Chuckle who performed in pantomime with Emberg, said he remembered her as 'the funniest fairy ever'.
Charlie Hanson, one of the producers for In The Long Run, said Emberg was a 'lovely and funny woman' and a 'brilliant' actress.
Les Dennis, who appeared on The Russ Abbot Show, shared a picture of himself with Emberg on Twitter, saying he was 'so sad' to lose a 'funny, lovely friend'.
Abbot and Emberg appeared alongside each other on The Russ Abbot show. He described Emberg as a 'genuinely funny woman, but most of all a woman of immense warmth and generosity
During her 60 year career, Emberg appeared in several classic programmes including The Benny Hill Show, Doctor Who and Z Cars.
Yet it was her stint as Blunderwoman, the comic sidekick of Abbot's Cooperman in the 1980s, that she will be best remembered.
In an interview last year, she admitted despite the plaudits that came with the job, it also became a burden.
She said: 'Blunderwoman saved my career - and I still view her as a complete blessing.
'After it ended in 1996 I couldn't get work. I went for jobs and they'd say: 'We'd love to hire you but you're too well known with Russ'.'
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