Gavin and Stacey star dies aged 84

Gavin and Stacey star Margaret John has died at the age of 84.

The Welsh actress died in hospital, early this morning, in her native Swansea.

Gavin and Stacey writer and star, James Corden, announced the news via his Twitter page, writing: "All my thoughts are with the family of Margaret John who played Doris in G and S. A great actress and an incredible lady. She will be missed x."

John had received a Bafta Cymru Lifetime Achievement award and also starred in BBC Wales comedy, High Hopes.

She was best known for her saucy role as Doris in the Barry Island and Essex based comedy.

Fellow Welshman, Rob Brydon, who played Uncle Bryn also tweeted: "Just heard the terribly sad news that Margaret John has passed away. What a wonderful person she was, everyone on G&S adored her."

Co-star Mathew Horne, who played Gavin, Tweeted: "Really sad to hear Margaret John has passed away. She was such a good woman and so fun to work with."

Considered by many as a Welsh national treasure, John had appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale Farm, and more recently she starred alongside Simon Pegg in comedy Run Fatboy Run.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: "She was one of our best-loved actresses and there was always a touch of humour or a glint of wickedness about her.

"It's a sad day but it was a life lived to the full and we are all the richer for having her."