Super Gran star Gudrun Ure dies aged 98

Gudrun Ure, the star of hit 1980s children's TV show Super Gran, has died aged 98.

Ure's portrayal of Granny Smith - who gained superpowers after being struck by a magic ray - won her legions of fans across the globe.

Ure lived in London and died at her home.

Her death was confirmed by her niece, Kate McNeill.

Ms McNeill said: "She had a very memorable voice.

"I remember my husband was watching Casualty one night, and I went 'that's Gudrun' as soon as I heard the voice."

Ure was born in Scotland in Milton of Campsie, East Dunbartonshire, on 12 March 1926.

As an actress, she starred as Desdemona in a 1951 stage production of Othello, directed by Hollywood legend Orson Welles. She also re-dubbed Suzanne Cloutier's performance in Welles' film adaptation.

Ure appeared in other television shows, including Casualty, Midsomer Murders, The Crow Road, The 10th Kingdom, and T-Bag And The Pearls of Wisdom.

However, it was her role in Super Gran that elevated her to cult status.

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The show, based on a series of books written by Forrest Wilson, saw Ure's character use her powers to protect the residents of Chiselton from a series of villains, including the scheming Roderick 'Scunner' Campbell and his gang.

Many guest stars appeared on the programme, including George Best, Spike Milligan, Eric Bristow, Roy Kinnear and comedian Billy Connolly, who also sang the theme song.

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The ITV series ran from 1985 to 1987 and was sold to more than 60 countries worldwide.

It also won a prestigious International Emmy Award in the children and young people category.