There are some celebrities who are loved because they make you feel good the second you see them on screen. Una Stubbs was one of those people and so much more.
The actress, who passed away on 12 August at the age of 84, exuded a rare sparkle and warm energy – even when she was sternly berating Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes as his exasperated landlady and housekeeper, Mrs Hudson.
Una’s performance in the well-received 2010 detective reboot won her a new legion of fans, adding to those who had already been enchanted by her talents. Starring in many hits including Cliff Richard’s Summer Holiday, sitcom Till Death Do Us Part and the classic TV version of Worzel Gummidge, her career was forged through sheer determination and a love of the arts.
Una was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, on 1 May 1937, but grew up in Hinkley, Leicestershire. Her mother Angela worked at the Denham Film Studios, while her father Clarence worked at the Shredded Wheat breakfast cereal factory. Showing an early love of dancing, young Una was sent to the La Roche School Of Dancing in Slough.
This story is from the August 30, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 30, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TALES TO TELL - 'There are amazing women doing incredible things...we don't hear their stories'
Journalist Louise Minchin shares her passion for adventure as she celebrates kindred spirits across the globe
KEYS TO SUCCESS - 'We were worried people would turn up in ballgowns
Claudia Winkleman on making a second series of The Piano, being enthralled by \"poetic\" performances and why she's not allowed to sing at home
KEEPING IT REAL - JUST SHAKE WHAT YOU'VE GOT!'
Judi Love and Helen Skelton open up to OK! on why fashion should be fun, learning to love our bodies and working with Gok Wan on their new campaign celebrating midlife women
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE - 'I DON'T EVER TAKE A MOMENT OF THIS FOR GRANTED'
Zara McDermott already has TV documentaries and a stint on Strictly under her belt - now she's venturing into fashion with a new range
CLASS ACTS - THRILLING SCENES AT THEATRE AWARDS
A host of stars took centre stage for the Olivier Awards 2024 as the glittering event honoured the best in the business from performance to production
ON HER SOAPBOX - 'Something happens when you hit 40. You realise life is short'
Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi on her fears about her latest project, protecting her child from publicity, and how a milestone birthday made her take on new challenges
BABY JOY - We're soulmates, but this has brought it to a whole other level'
Real Housewives Of Cheshire newbie Paige Chohan and her husband Amir open up on the magic of welcoming their first child
HOST WITH THE MOST - I adore Stephen but there's no romance'
TV favourite Josie Gibson chats about being linked to every man she's spotted with, being naive during her first stint on reality TV and what it felt like being separated from her son for I'm A Celeb
WILLIAM'S HEARTFELT PROMISE FOR KATE
As the Prince and Princess of Wales approach their wedding anniversary, William displays his commitment and devotion
THRIFT SHOP THRILLS
SECOND HAND STYLE GURU JEN GRAHAM SPEAKS TO OK! ABOUT BREAKING THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO CHARITY SHOPS AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER SHOPPING PRE-LOVED