Tributes have been paid to Angela Thorne who has died aged 84.

Thorne was best known to sitcom fans as one of the stars of two classic comedies. To The Manor Born alongside Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles and Three Up, Two Down, alongisde Michael Elphick (pictured). In both comedies Thorne played an upper crust character to great comic effect.

In a long career Thorne also worked on shows as diverse as The BFG and The Avengers. One of her sons is actor Rupert Penry-Jones. She played Brian Pern's mother in the Simon Day comedy The Life of Rock with Brian Pern.

She also played Margaret Thatcher opposite John Wells in the satire Anyone for Denis in 1992.

Jean Rogers tweeted: "So sad to hear Angela Thorne died yesterday. We were students together @guildhallschool I travelled up daily from Worthing but she had a London flat and took me under her lovely wing when we were in school productions. A beautiful actress and spirit. Xxxxx RIP"

John Bowen tweeted: "A wonderful actress. Her “Margaret Thatcher” was hysterically funny and she was the perfect counterpoint to Penelope Keith’s Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton. RIP Angela Thorne"

Noblesse Oblige tweeted: "Very much enjoyed a variety of roles that Angela Thorne undertook. The very essence of class and impeccable manners. Sincerest condolences to family and friends."

Buy Three Up, Two Down here.

Watch Angela Thorne in Anyone for Denis below