John Challis pays tribute to Lynda Bellingham

Mr Challis, best known as TV's Boycie, from Only Fools and Horses, described her as "brave" and "humorous". He said he had worked with her in the region when she visited to film a TV sequence.

Mr Challis said: "I worked with her briefly on My Tasty Travels filmed at the Mortimer Food Festival a couple of years ago. I'd met her a few times socially and she was a lovely, bright lady with a wicked sense of humour."

Mr Challis added that Mrs Bellingham, 66, was closer to his co-star, Sue Holderness, who played Boycie's on-screen wife, Marlene.

He said they got along very well and worked together on several occasions.

Mr Challis said: "She did Calendar Girls with Sue Holderness."

He added that he was sorry that she had died at such an early age and hoped her example of bravery would be an inspiration to many.

He said: "I can't believe she has gone so quickly, but what a brave lady. Gawd bless her."

The region's theatre bosses also paid tribute to Mrs Bellingham, who had appeared in the West Midlands on numerous occasions.

Mandy Rose, at the Birmingham Hippodrome, said: "We had the pleasure of welcoming Lynda here in pantomime in 2012/13 where she made her panto debut as Fairygodmother in Cinderella with Brian Conley.

"Lynda was a lovely lady, so kind to our crew and always had time for you. When she finished the panto she was back at the theatre the following week in Calendar Girls. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."

Clare Jepson-Homer, of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, also paid tribute.

She said: "Lynda last performed at The Rep in 2006, in Tanika Gupta's play Sugar Mummies. She had incredible warmth and was one of those actors who had time for everyone – you'd often find her having a natter at the stage door or with staff.

"She was due to be at The Rep last year as part of our re-opening season in A Passionate Woman, which was postponed due to her illness. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."