TV actress Joyce Blair dies at 73

Blair (left) often appeared with her brother in TV shows

Actress Joyce Blair, the sister of entertainer Lionel, has died at the age of 73.

Blair, who was best known for appearing in shows such as Morecambe And Wise and The Benny Hill Show, died at her home in California on Saturday.

She had been diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Her death was confirmed by her close friend Jeffrey Lane, a Los Angeles-based publicist.

Blair is survived by a daughter, a son as well as her brother Lionel.

She started her showbusiness career while still a child by entertaining people in London air raid shelters during World War II.

After cropping up briefly in long-running series The Adventures Of Robin Hood, Blair's first major TV appearance was in talent show New Look, which introduced stars including Roy Castle to the screen.

Although more famous for her appearances in light entertainment - often alongside her brother - she also had roles in drama series such The Saint, Z Cars and The Last Days of Pompeii.