Star Of Downton Abbey, ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’ Announces Her Daughter’s Death

British actress Anna Chancellor has paid loving tribute to her daughter Poppy, who has died from leukaemia.

Chancellor, who starred in Four Weddings and a Funeral and also appeared in Downton Abbey, posted a message on Saturday announcing the death of her daughter, an illustrator and artist, the day before.

She wrote:

“To all you wonderful and most-loved friends of Poppy. We send you this message with our deepest love. 

“On September 29 Poppy died, held tight by her immediate family just as she had wished.

“Despite every effort, her body could not continue any longer. So we, her family and friends who all adore her join the other families who have lost loved ones far too young.

“Poppy was and is an unbelievable life force of creativity, compassion, wit, beauty and sheer uniqueness. She transformed our lives, and we are beyond grateful.”

A few months ago, the Daily Mail newspaper published an interview by Poppy, who said: “I am terrified and physically exhausted – at the same time as learning to talk to my body and cells with loving defiance.”

Poppy’s successful artistic career included working for high-profile brands Cath Kidston and Adidas.

Anna Chancellor is one of the UK’s most successful actresses. As well as her roles in Downton Abbey and Four Weddings, she is best known for The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and the BBC’s successful 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. She has been nominated for both BAFTA and Olivier acting awards.