Nora Batty dies

[paulham]

Actress Kathy Staff, who played Nora Batty in long-running BBC One sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine, has died.

The 80-year-old, who was born in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, also played cleaner Doris Luke in long-running ITV soap Crossroads.

She also appeared in Emmerdale Farm, Coronation Street, and with David Jason and Ronnie Barker in Open All Hours.

Last of the Summer Wine producer Alan Bell told BBC News the actress had been ill for some time.

"We're distraught, but we have very fond memories of her," he said.

Battleaxe Nora Batty proved to be her most enduring character. She appeared in 243 episodes of the Yorkshire-based comedy, beginning in the very first episode in January 1973. She made her last appearance in August.

Mr Bell said she often yearned for her character to be more gentle.

"She would play a scene quite gently, and I'd say, 'But Kathy, you've got to harden up, because that's who we all love, the hard, tough Nora Batty.'

"And she said, 'Why can't I be just soft and gentle at times?' And I said, 'Maybe some time we will.'

"She was such a good lady, she was religious, she would never do anyone any harm. "But above all that, she was thoroughly professional."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7782250.stm

Sad news.
I think the show has long since had its day and should now be stopped.
Poor Peter Sallis! There cannot be many original cast members left.

[loulou]

I feel so sad.

[smurfboy]

[Sad news.
I think the show has long since had its day and should now be stopped.
Poor Peter Sallis! There cannot be many original cast members left.

I see what you mean, but there aren't many shows made for an older audience; it would be a shame to stop it while it's still popular and the actors enjoy doing it.

Sad news about Kathy Staff; she always seemed in very good health for her age.

[oldspice]

She was lovely. The kind of aunt everyone wishes they had.