Goodnight, Irene

EastEnders and The Bill star Roberta Taylor dies aged 76

- MARK JEFFERIES

DELIVERING withering - and often hilarious-put-downs with a splendidly stern look, Roberta Taylor was perfect as a fearless matriarch in EastEnders and The Bill.

Behind the scenes, she was known for her warmth, wisdom, sense of humour and brilliant anecdotes.

Roberta, who has died aged 76, reportedly had pneumonia after a fall two months ago. She played Irene Raymond in BBC soap EastEnders between 1997 and 2000, then Inspector Gina Gold in ITV police drama The Bill from 2002 to 2008.

Her agent, Roxane Vacca, said: "She was a hugely talented actress with a fierce intelligence, great humanity and unflinching integrity.

"Her subversive streak brought originality to every part she played.