Dame Penelope Keith: The Good Life and To The Manor Born actress dies aged 86

The Surrey-born joined the Royal Shakespeare company in 1963 and went on to win an Olivier Award for best comedy performance in 1976, for her role in the play Donkey’s Years.

But she became a household name playing Margo in The Good Life from 1975, winning the Bafta TV award for best light entertainment performance.

She followed that by playing widowed aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born, which first aired in 1979.

Former culture secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt led the tributes, posting on X: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith CBE. She was a neighbour and friend where she was dearly loved by all who knew her in Milford.

“She helped Britain laugh at itself, one of our best national qualities, and brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny.”