Grange Hill star Gwyneth Powell dies aged 76

Virgin Radio

13 Sep 2022, 07:49

Actress Gwyneth Powell, known for starring as Mrs McClusky in the BBC series Grange Hill, has died at the age of 76, her agent has confirmed.

Powell played the headmistress Bridget McClusky on the show between 1981 and 1991 and most recently featured in the Channel 4 comedy show Man Down.

Speaking on behalf of her family in a statement, her representative Matthew Lacey confirmed the actress died “after complications following a major operation for a perforated colon”.

She died on Thursday 8th September in Brighton, and the statement adds: “She passed away peacefully, with her husband (Alan Leith) and niece by her bedside.

“Gwyneth will be greatly missed by her adoring family and friends along with her many fans from multiple TV appearances.”

Director of BBC Children’s Education, Patricia Hidalgo, said: “We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Gwyneth Powell.

“Her famous portrayal of Mrs McClusky is one that will be fondly remembered by all those that grew up watching Grange Hill.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

Gwyneth, born in Manchester on 5th July 1946, first appeared on our screens in the London Weekend Television drama series The Guardians in 1971.

Following that, she featured in multiple TV dramas, but her career really took off after being cast in the children’s series Grange Hill, about the ins and outs of a comprehensive school.

The actress played Bridget McClusky, the firm but fair headmistress, for a decade before she was written out of the show to pursue other opportunities.

She went on to appear in shows such as Heartbeat, Holby City and Father Brown and in 2013, she played the mother of Welsh comic Greg Davies’ character in the Channel 4 comedy Man Down.

Our thoughts at Virgin Radio are with Gwyneth Powell’s family and friends at this time.