Come Outside’s Lynda Baron Has Died Age 82

Actor Lynda Baron, who was best known for starring in BBC sitcom Open All Hours and children's TV show Come Outside, has died at the age of 82, her agent has confirmed.

A statement from Donna French, her agent of nearly 30 years, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron.

"She was a wonderful actress and a great friend.

"Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in Open All Hours and Aunt Mabel in Come Outside were loved by all generations.

"Renowned for her leading roles in West End musicals and dramatic productions alike, we have lost a leading light of our world.

"We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter Sarah, her son Morgan and all her family."

During her career, Baron also featured in Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt, EastEnders, Doctor Who, Last of the Summer Wine and Dinner Ladies.

She was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2011 for her role in The Road to Coronation Street, a one-off dramatisation about the creation of the popular ITV soap.

However, many people who grew up in the 1990s will remember her fondly for her turn as Auntie Mabel in Come Outside, which helped young children learn about the world around them.

The long-running show was originally on screens from 1993 until 1997, but was also repeated on CBeebies until 2012.

Mabel would be joined on adventures by her mischievous pet dog Pippin, travelling in style in a small white aeroplane patterned with multicoloured spots.

Pippin, the real-life female dog who first served as Baron's canine co-star, actually died after the first series aired, and the reins were handed down to her grandson – a pooch called Mr Higgins.

Paying tribute to the late star, one fan tweeted: "Sad news about Lynda Baron. Met her 5 years ago and was more than a little bit starstruck. Of course, she was lovely. Despite her many roles over the years, Auntie Mabel in 'Come Outside' is how I'll always remember her."

Someone else wrote: "RIP Lynda Baron you made my childhood thank you. Hope you’re high up in the sky with Pippin."

A third said: "So sad to hear Auntie Mabel, the lovely Lynda Baron has died. Come Outside was absolutely my favourite programme when I was little. Who wouldn't want to just take off to go half a mile down the road to see how crisps are made."