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.