Russ Abbot has led tributes to former co-star Bella Emberg after she died at the age of 80.

Abbot described the comedy actress, who appeared alongside him as Blunderwoman on The Russ Abbot Show, as �a huge comedy talent� and �a woman of immense warmth and generosity�.

Emberg�s agent said the actress who had roles in Doctor Who and Z Cars died on Friday morning, adding �she will be greatly missed�.

Abbot, along with former co-star Les Dennis and personalities including Paul Chuckle and Cheryl Fergison have paid their tributes to the veteran actress.

In a statement issued to the Press Association, 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.�

Dennis, who appeared on The Russ Abbot Show, shared a photo of himself with Emberg on Twitter, saying he was �so sad� to lose a �funny, lovely friend�.

That was quick, she was cast in a series called "In The Long Run" on Sky1 this year (2018).

I have no recollection of her whatsoever, and only a vague recollection of Russ Abbot. He sat on a stool and told jokes if I remember it. Was he Irish?

She was certainly involved in a lot of programmes. Always sad to see an old favourite go.

I just hope it's not the start of another year like last year.

Not quite, you are thinking of Dave Allen.

I remember her more in Benny Hill but her face popped up as a stooge of one type or another in many other programs.