03 March 2023 , 21:19
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Ruth Madoc had an incredibly fruitful career before her death last year at the age of 79.
She was best known for her role in Hi-de-Hi! as Gladys Pugh between 1980 and 1988.
The actress made her final on-screen appearance in this week's episode of Beyond Paradise, a spinoff of Death in Paradise, on BBC She guest stars as Rosie Colbert.
On Friday's night episode of the series, she plays the relative of a family member goes missing with no trace.
Her last role was announced on Beyond Paradise's official Twitter page.
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"It was our absolute pleasure to have the late Ruth Madoc in this episode, in her final onscreen role. Sending lots of love to her family from all of us here," they posted along with a photo of her character.
The sad news of her death came a day after the star assured fans she was 'well' and hoping to be 'back to normal soon' after being rushed to hospital for surgery following an accident.
How did Ruth Madoc die?
She was best know for her role on Hi-de-Hi! (Getty Images)
She died at the age of 79 last year (PA)A statement posted to Ruth's Instagram page on December 10 read: "Following an accident earlier this week, and after medical assessment, regretfully Ruth Madoc is no longer able to appear in this year's pantomime of Aladdin at the Princess Theatre in Torquay.
"Everyone at the theatre wishes Ruth a speedy recovery."
Her agent confirmed that the much-loved star had died in hospital after undergoing surgery following her fall.
The statement read: "Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which had led her to have to withdraw from panto in Torquay."
She was described as a 'national treasure' and a 'real legend of the British entertainment scene" in the tribute from her long-term agent Phil Belfield.
"She was one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many. She is gone far too soon. Our hearts are broken!
“Thoughts are with her daughter Lowri, her son Rhys and all of her family."
Her glittering career
Ruth on the set of Hi-de-Hi! (REX/Shutterstock)The Welsh star was best known as Gladys in Hi-de-Hi! in the 1980s.
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The series was centred on a fictional holiday camp set between 1959 and 1960, where Ruth's character Gladys was on a relentless pursuit of Jeffrey Fairbrother, played by Simon Cadell.
When she left the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, she worked on The Black and White Minstrel Show.
Ruth played Fruma Sarah in the film version of the musical Fiddler on the Roof in 1971. The next year saw her appear as Mrs Dai Bread Two in the film version of Under Milk Wood.
After Hi-de-Hi! ended, her career continued to shine.
She went on to star in Little Britain, Big Top, Doctors, Benidorm, and Get Your Act Together.
She also had roles in Casualty and in Tinga Tanga Tales.