Actress Lynda Bellingham, best known for playing the mother in the Oxo television adverts, has died.
Bellingham died "peacefully in her husband's arms" at a London hospital, her agent said.
The 66-year-old had colon cancer and last month said she planned to end life-extending chemotherapy treatment. The actress said she wanted to spend one last Christmas with her family after the disease had spread to her lungs and liver.
Her role as the mother in a squabbling family in the Oxo adverts made her familiar to millions in the 1980s.
Career highlights also included TV series All Creatures Great And Small, sitcom Faith In The Future, competing in Strictly Come Dancing, and starring in the stage production of Calendar Girls.
In her autobiography, the actress described her decision to end cancer treatment. "I sat down with (husband) Michael and Professor Stebbing and announced: 'The time has come to cease and desist.
"'I would love to make one more Christmas, if possible, but I want to stop taking chemo around November in order to pass away by the end of January'."
In another excerpt she wrote: "I don't want the boys or my husband to see me die a little sad old lady. I want to go out there as I am."
Speaking on ITV show Loose Women, where she was one of the presenters, she told viewers: "Grasp it all, don't be afraid, enjoy the bits you can and tell your family you love them while you have the chance."
Her pre-recorded farewell appearance on the show will go out on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Bellingham also picked up an OBE from Buckingham Palace in recognition for her 40-year career.
Her agent, Sue Latimer, issued a statement on behalf of her family: "As an actor, writer and presenter, Lynda was a consummate professional to the very end.
"Those of us privileged to have known her personally will miss the entertaining, life enhancing, true and honest friend that blessed our lives."
The family also thanked nurses "for their tremendous care and support".
Bellingham married three times and has two sons.
In this video, recorded just three weeks ago to promote her new book, Lynda Bellingham spoke about her cancer and why writing this autobiography was so important to her.
