Diana Coupland dies
Friday, 10 Nov 2006 17:39
Diana Coupland starred in 1970s sitcom Bless This House
Comedy actress Diana Coupland has died in hospital following heart surgery, the BBC has revealed.
The 74-year-old star, who recently appeared in BBC soap EastEnders and hospital drama Casualty, passed away after failing to recover from an operation to address long-standing heart problems, her surgeon confirmed.
"Diana's chances of a full recovery were discussed with her family and they made a decision that she should be allowed to pass away peacefully," said heart surgeon Ramesh Patel, after the actress died at Coventry's University Hospital.
"May I offer my condolences to the family for the loss of their wife and mother, who I know will be greatly missed," he added.
Veteran star Coupland first rose to fame in the popular 1970s ITV sitcom Bless This House, in which she appeared opposite Sid James in the comedy about a London family of the era, whose patriarch had to face coming to terms with the obvious generation gap between himself and his children.
The actress began her career in a more glamorous, yet hidden role, with her singing voice dubbed over the voice of Bond girl Ursula Andress in the 1962 007 film, Dr No.
Coupland, whose early ambition to be a ballet dancer was thwarted following a horse riding accident, was also known for supporting charitable causes, including as a patron of National Lupus UK, a charity which assists those suffering from the chronic inflammation condition which can affect the skin and internal organs.