BBCActress Emma Chambers, best known for her roles in the Vicar of Dibley and Notting Hill, has died aged 53.
Her death was confirmed in a statement from her agency which stated she died from natural causes on Wednesday evening and added that ‘she will be greatly missed’.
The statement said:
Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many.
She is survived by her husband, Ian Dunn.
Universal PicturesChambers made her TV debut on The Bill, but it was the role of Alice Tinker in the Vicar of Dibley, a role she played from 1994 to 2007, that made her a household name.
In 1998, Chambers won the British Comedy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Alice.
She also appeared in the feature film Notting Hill alongside Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, playing Hugh’s eccentric sister Honey Thacker.
Fans have paid tribute to the actress on social media:
Absolutely stunned and saddened to hear that Emma Chambers has died at only 53.
She was best known for playing Alice in The Vicar Of Dibley.She was fantastic. Such a shame ☹️ pic.twitter.com/TKjvvZMEqD
— Oliver (@oliverWwestwood) February 24, 2018
We're saddened to hear that The Vicar of Dibley actress Emma Chambers has passed away at the age of 53. Our thoughts are with her friends and family. pic.twitter.com/vfMRMwds8H
— Gold (@goldchannel) February 24, 2018
Sad news, actress Emma Chambers, best known for The Vicar of Dibley and Notting Hill, has died at 53 her agency has confirmed pic.twitter.com/fcjQrCPtQU
— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba) February 24, 2018
#EmmaChambers Sad to hear of her passing. Alice was one of a kind character.
— Janine Suzanne (@JanineSuzanne22) February 24, 2018
This is so shocking and sad. Ah god she was marvelloushttps://t.co/Kzcgaqzo4X
— Jim Howick (@JimHowick) February 24, 2018
A: You know I Cant Believe Its Not Butter?
G: Yes…
A: Well, I can't believe its not butter….
G: Well I believe that's the point
A: I bought this home brand and you know I can't believe its not I Can't Believe Its Not Butter….RIP Emma Chambers :(https://t.co/DeDUpooUA4
— James Longman (@JamesAALongman) February 24, 2018
So sad to hearing of the passing of Emma Chambers. Great memories of her in Vicar of Dibley as Alice. pic.twitter.com/46oanFwVTt
— Jono Read (@jonoread) February 24, 2018
It's such a shame that the brilliant Emma Chambers has passed away I loved watching her play Alice in #TheVicarOfDibley RIP Emma X
— Gemma Perkins (@Gemmaperkins15) February 24, 2018
Our beautiful friend Emma Chambers has died at the age of 53. We're very very sad. She was a great, great comedy performer, and a truly fine actress. And a tender, sweet, funny, unusual, loving human being. pic.twitter.com/vLQcRcv2Ex
— emma freud ? (@emmafreud) February 24, 2018
Our thoughts are with her friends and family.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.