«Breaking News» Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha break silence after 'dear friend' June Whitfield dies, age 93

Jennifer Saunders has broken her silence following the news that her on-screen mother and 'dear friend' Dame June Whitfield has died.

In a statement, the comedienne, 60, said: 'It’s so tremendously sad to lose June. I will always be grateful that she agreed to be in Ab Fab and even more grateful that she became a dear friend.

'She lived and worked with an extraordinary grace. Everything June did was perfectly measured.

The Monsoons pay tribute: Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha have broken their silence after their 'dear friend' and Ab Fab matriarch Dame June Whitfield died on Friday, age 93 

'She was so loved and I will miss her hugely.'

Dame June 'died peacefully' on Friday night, with tributes pouring in from the acting, comedy and showbiz world on Saturday.

She played the matriarch of the Monsoon family - only ever referred to as 'Mother' or 'Gran' - in Absolutely Fabulous, the sitcom written by Jennifer, who played middle-aged, young-at-heart Edina Monsoon.

Edina's uptight daughter, and June's on-screen granddaughter, Saffy, was portrayed by Julia Sawalha, who also paid tribute to the late star in a heartfelt Twitter post.

In a statement, comedienne Jennifer, 60, said: 'It’s so tremendously sad to lose June. I will always be grateful that she agreed to be in Ab Fab and even more grateful that she became a dear friend'

'She was so loved and I will miss her hugely': Dame June played the matriarch of the Monsoon family - only ever referred to as 'Mother' or 'Gran' - in Absolutely Fabulous, the sitcom written by Jennifer, who played middle-aged, young-at-heart Edina

She wrote: 'Thank you Dame June Whitfield, for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.

'I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my adoration.

'You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.'

The trio portrayed the Monsoon women from Ab Fab's inception in 1992. The series then ran for five official seasons but between these one-offs popped up, often as a Christmas special.

Icon: Edina's uptight daughter, and June's on-screen granddaughter, Saffy, was portrayed by Julia Sawalha, who also paid tribute to the late star in a heartfelt Twitter post

Julia posted: 'You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran' 

The last televised episodes were shown at the end of 2011 and in the run up to London's 2012 Olympics, all of which featured June.

She then reunited with the cast again for 2016's Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

A sequel was said to be in the works, following the success of the film, but Jennifer later insisted that, 'That. Is. It.'

However, the series was said to have concluded with the season three finale The End, in 1995. But in 1996, a feature-length episode titled The Last Shout aired - also intended to be the last ever outing for the show.

But in 2001, Jennifer revived the show and a fourth season aired with the same cast. This lead to a fifth season in 2003.

Classic: The trio portrayed the Monsoon women from Ab Fab's inception in 1992 [pictured with Joanna Lumley]

Classic: The series then ran for five official seasons but between these one-offs popped up, often as a Christmas special. The last televised episodes were shown at the end of 2011 and in the run up to London's 2012 Olympics, all of which featured June

Christmas 2004 saw the one-off episode, White Box, seemingly conclude the story again - with Saffy throwing out her mother and pal Patsy Stone [Joanna Lumley] and living with June's character instead.

But the show rebooted itself once more in 2011 for three specials, followed then by the film.      

Joanna herself paid tribute to June, telling ITV News: 'I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab.

Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who worked with June on the TV series' fifth season and in the 2012 special, as well as appearing in the big screen adaption of Absolutely Fabulous tweeted: 'So sad this evening. Such an incredible lady with the warmest heart'

Bye-bye Gran: June Whitfield (left) attending the World premiere of Absolutely Fabulous The Movie with (left to right) Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks

'She will always have a most special place in my heart.'

Jane Horrocks, who played characters Bubble, Katy Grin, Lola and 'Shirley Bassey', tweeted: 'Grew up on #TerryAndJune and had the pleasure of working with June on #AbsolutelyFabulous.

'She was a wonderful lady. Versatile, funny and generous. Much loved and will be much missed.'  

Ab Fab co-star Helen Lederer tweeted: 'To add to tributes - June Whitfield during #AbsolutelyFabulous - a wizz at the crossword , perfection with feed lines and kindness itself.' 

'Heartbroken': Co-star Joanna said,'I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent'

Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who worked with June on the TV series' fifth season and in the 2012 special, as well as appearing in the big screen adaption of Absolutely Fabulous tweeted: 'So sad this evening. Such an incredible lady with the warmest heart.

'I was so nervous working with her but she had a way of making you feel comfortable and special. Thank you Dame June Whitfield.'

In a statement, Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said: 'June Whitfield was the North Star of British comedy.

'Her spectacular career is unparalleled in its longevity, with seven decades of being a key element in numerous high profile and successful shows.

TV husband: She was best known for her work with comedian Terry Scott, co-starring in sitcoms Terry and June and Happy Ever After, where they played a husband and wife duo

'She was the go-to female comedy performer of her generation and was always in demand from the cream of British comedy.

'She led the way for female comedy and we owe her enormous respect. Our thoughts go out to family and friends at this sad time.'

The Absolutely Fabulous star enjoyed a career stretching back to the 1940s, including roles in some of of the earliest Carry On films in the 1950s.

She was best known for her work with comedian Terry Scott, co-starring in sitcoms Terry and June and Happy Ever After, where they played a husband and wife duo.  

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Main photo article Jennifer Saunders has broken her silence following the news that her on-screen mother and ‘dear friend’ Dame June Whitfield has died.
In a statement, the comedienne, 60, said: ‘It’s so tremendously sad to lose June. I will always be grateful that she agreed to be in Ab Fab and e...

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