TV Legend Lynda Baron Dies: Yorkshire Shopkeeper and EastEnders Star
Lynda Baron, beloved for her roles in Yorkshire’s iconic sitcom Open All Hours alongside Ronnie Barker and Sir David Jason, has died. The show originally ran in the ’70s and ’80s before a popular revival in 2013. Lynda also charmed viewers in EastEnders and the children’s favourite, Come Outside.
Queen of the Corner Shop
In Open All Hours, Lynda was Nurse Gladys, the long-suffering love interest resisting bakery boss Albert Arkwright’s cheeky advances. Ronnie Barker played the cheeky shop owner, while Sir David Jason was his put-upon nephew – who later took over the shop in the revived Still Open All Hours.
“Working with Ronnie Barker and David Jason was unbelievable – two great actors in a brilliantly scripted sitcom. There was never a day when we did not have a great laugh.”
Lynda told The Sunday Post in 2020 about her incredible time on set, saying the laughter and camaraderie kept flowing through the revival years.
A Storied Career Beyond the Shop
Lynda’s credits stretched far beyond the corner shop. She was nominated for a BAFTA for her role as Violet Carson in The Road To Coronation Street, a drama about the birth of the world-famous soap. On EastEnders, she played Linda Clarke, mother to Jane Beale.
- Other TV appearances include Doctor Who, The Last of the Summer Wine, Down To Earth, and Dinner Ladies.
- She also starred in the 1983 Barbra Streisand film Yentl.
- Stage work covered West End musicals and dramatic productions.
- Her agent confirmed she was a “leading light” in acting and loved across all generations.
Tributes Pour In
Her agent Donna French said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron. She was a wonderful actress and a great friend. Her iconic roles as Nurse Gladys and Auntie Mabel in Come Outside were adored by all generations. We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter Sarah, son Morgan, and family.”
Lynda also made her mark in classics like The Two Ronnies, Oh No, It’s Selwyn Froggitt, and the Carry On film series – proving her range as one of TV’s truly great talents.
