She'll always be our Valentine...

SHIRLEY Valentine actress Pauline Collins has died at the age of 85, her family announced last night.

- ALLISTER HAGGER

The Oscar nominee died "peacefully" at her care home in North London this week, having lived with Parkinson's disease for several years.

Her family, who were by her side at the end, said: "Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life.

"A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen.

"Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

"She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine - a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.

"More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us.

"And she was John [Alderton]'s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years."

GENIUS

Pauline starred in the first series of sitcom The Liver Birds but did not become a household name until getting a regular role in Upstairs Downstairs in 1971.