Alex Jones pauses The One Show to deliver ‘sad’ news (Image: BBC)

On Thursday evening’s The One Show, presenters Alex Jones and Scott Mills were accompanied by Anita Rani and her father Bal, Harleymoon Kemp, and actress Isla Fisher. Following discussions with the guests regarding their respective ventures, Alex addressed the camera directly and interrupted the programme to honour Pauline Collins.

Alex declared: “On the subject of great films and great actors, before we end tonight, we just wanted to mention the sad news that actor Pauline Collins has d!ed aged 85. Now, many will fondly remember her of course for her Oscar nominated performance in Shirley Valentine. She’s also been a guest here on the sofa and our thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”

Alex turned her attention to the camera and paused the show to pay tribute to Pauline Collins (Image: BBC)

This follows a family statement, issued on Sunday and made public on November 6.

The statement declared: “Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

“She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.

Pauline will be well-known to many thanks to her roles in The Liver Birds and Upstairs Downstairs (Image: Getty)

“More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years.

“We particularly want to thank her carers: angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love. She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her.”

Pauline will be familiar to countless viewers through her performances in The Liver Birds and Upstairs Downstairs.

However, it was her portrayal as a Merseyside housewife who finds herself again during a Greek holiday that captured the nation’s affection.

Pauline leaves behind her husband John Alderton along with their children and grandchildren.