Lynda Baron

Lynda Baron, born Lilian Ridgway on 24 March 1939, was an English actress and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in the BBC sitcom Open All Hours (1976–1985) and its sequel, Still Open All Hours (2013–2016). Baron also played Auntie Mabel in the children's series Come Outside (1993–1997) and Linda Clarke in EastEnders (2006, 2008–2009, 2016). Born in Urmston, Lancashire, Baron began her career as a dancer after training at the Royal Academy of Dance. She appeared in various stage productions and gained recognition through her roles in television shows like Crossroads, Up Pompeii, and Z-Cars.