Gavin and Stacey star Margaret John dies

'Gavin and Stacey' star Margaret John has died.

The actress, who played Doris in the critically acclaimed BBC sitcom, passed away in her sleep at around 2am this morning (02.02.11) at the age of 83.

Tributes have already started to flood in from her 'Gavin and Stacey' cast mates and friends.

James Corden - who played Smithy and co-wrote the comedy series - wrote on his twitter page: "All my thoughts are with the family of Margaret John who played Doris in G and S. A great actress and an incredible lady. She will be missed x (sic)"

Mathew Horne - who portrayed Gavin Shipman in 'Gavin and 'Stacey' - wrote on his twitter account: "Really sad to hear Margaret John has passed away. She was such a good woman and so fun to work with."

Filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes - who directed her in his 2009 comedy movie 'A Bit of Tom Jones?' - said: "She was the grandmother everyone wanted and a friend to everyone."

Margaret's TV and film career spanned over 50 years and included roles in classic 60s series 'Z-Cars', cult sci-fi show 'Blake's 7' and 'Little Britain'.

She also has the distinguished honour of appearing in two separate 'Doctor Who' adventures spanning 38 years apart.

She appeared in the 1968 storyline 'Fury from the Deep' - which starred Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor - and then again in the 2006 episode 'The Idiot's Lantern', which featured David Tennant as the Time Lord.