Gwyneth Powell, best known for her role in Grange Hill, has died aged 76. She will be familiar to many for playing headmistress Mrs McClusky in the popular children's BBC series.
Her agent Matthew Lacey said in a statement on behalf of the family issued on Monday (September 12) that she died "after complications following a major operation for a perforated colon". The statement added: "She passed away peacefully, with her husband (Alan Leith) and niece at her bedside."
Lacey confirmed that Powell, who was born in Levenshulme and attended Cheadle County Grammar School for Girls, died on Thursday, September 8, the same day the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced. Gwyneth portrayed Bridget on the BBC television series for a decade from 1981 until 1991.
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One of her last roles was in Channel 4 comedy show Man Down in which she played Greg Davies' mother Polly Davies. Powell also appeared in many other television programmes during her career such as Heartbeat, A Touch of Frost, Holby City, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and Father Brown.
But her first big TV role was in 1971 dystopian drama series The Guardians. Reacting to the new of Powell's death, Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education: "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Gwyneth Powell.
"Her famous portrayal of Mrs McClusky is one that will be fondly remembered by all those that grew up watching Grange Hill. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."
In 1976, Powell also made a double appearance in two of the country's biggest and best-loved soaps. First, she played Diana Kenton in three episodes of Coronation Street before playing Julie Croft in Emmerdale.
Powell was married, and is survived by, fellow actor Alan Leith.
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