Elspet Gray

Elspeth Gray, Baroness Rix  was a Scottish actress, known for her work on British television in the 1970s and '80s. 

She was best recognised for her roles as one of the main characters, Mrs Palmer in the British TV comedy Solo, alongsideFelicity Kendal, and as Lady Collingford in the British TV series Catweazle.

Gray appeared in many television programmes, her first appearance being in Love in Waiting in 1948. She had several roles in the 1970s including parts in Fawlty Towers and in the 1980s with Doctor Who story Arc of Infinity, World War Two drama Tenko, and as The Queen in the first series of the BBC sitcom Blackadder.

She remained active until the late 1990s appearing in Agatha Christie's Poirot, 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral and most recently has appeared as Hilary in the British TV comedy Dinnerladies.

In 1949, Elspet Gray married actor and later Mencap Chairman & President Brian Rix, who became a life peer in 1992. They had four children - two sons and two daughters. 

Obituary links: Daily Record, ITV News