The Windsors and The Crown star Haydn Gwynne dies aged 66

ok.co.uk:

Actress Haydn Gwynne, known for her roles in Drop the Dead Donkey, The Crown and The Windsors, has died aged 66. Her death was confirmed in a statement shared by her representatives on Friday 20 October.The statement read: “It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends. “We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.” Haydn was due to return to the West End in September in the new production of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, but pulled out earlier in the month due to "sudden personal circumstances".

The actress is survived by her partner Jason Phipps, and their two sons - Orlando, 26, and Harrison, 23. Haydn shot to fame in her mid-twenties when she took on the role of Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC mini-series adaptation of David Lodge's Nice Work in 1989.

Her breakout role then came in 1990, when she was cast as Alex Pates in Drop the Dead Donkey.The role earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Light Entertainment Performance in 1992.

Haydn then went on to appear in Time Riders and Peak Practice, as well as Merseybeat and The Secret. Haydn had a hugely successful acting career, with her standout roles including playing Camilla in The Windors and Susan Hussey in Netflix's The Crown.