Tributes have poured in for an Only Fools and Horses star following news of her death being announced. Relatives of Kate Saunders, who played policewoman Sandra in the hit BBC sitcom - much of which was filmed in Bristol, confirmed she died on Friday (April 21).
Kate's sister Louisa tweeted today (April 24) about her sister's death. "My sister, who we lost last Friday," Louisa wrote, attaching an obituary.
"The warmest, bravest, most generous, and most brilliant woman I will ever know. Heaven knows how we will live without her."
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Louisa's announcement sparked an outpouring of grief, fond memories and admiration from fans and celebrities alike. The official account for Only Fools and Horses paid tribute to Kate, writing: "We are sorry to learn of the passing of Kate Saunders, who played police-woman Sandra in the episode The Long Legs of the Law in 1982.
"In addition to her acting career, Kate was an award-winning novelist, journalist and critic. Our thoughts are with her family."
Carol Challis, widow of late Boycie actor John Challis, lent her support to Louisa as she reflected on her own loss following her husband's 2021 death. "So sorry to hear your sad news," she said. "It’s not easy losing someone you love so much."
Along with her role in Only Fools and Horses, Kate joined the National Theatre in 1987 and also starred in Angles, ITV Playhouse, A Family Affair and Just Good Friends. She then moved on from acting, becoming a popular novelist for both children and adults, with many titles under her belt.
Kate wrote columns for Sunday Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Sunday Express, She, and Cosmopolitan. She also udged the 1990 Booker prize, and persuaded her fellow judges to choose AS Byatt’s Possession as the winner, in addition to judging the 2007 Women's prize in the year that it was won by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, The Mirror reports.
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