‘Well loved stage and TV actress’ Patricia Brake dies, age 79

British actress Patricia Brake, well known for her role as Ronnie Barker’s daughter, Ingrid Fletcher, in BBC’s sitcom Porridge, has died, aged 79.

The sitcom star acted in a range of popular shows, including Eastenders, Eldorado and Coronation Street.

Brake’s agent, Scott Marshall Partners, announced the actress had passed after a “long battle” with illness.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our client and well-loved stage and TV actress, Patricia Brake, at the age of 79, after a very long battle with cancer,” the announcement read.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our client and well-loved stage and TV actress, Patricia Brake, at the age of 79, after a very long battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/XxcTaevcPi

— Scott Marshall Partners (@smpagency) May 29, 2022

Brake was born in Bath, England, to Doreen and Victor Brake, a butcher, and had aspired to be an actress from a young age, attending the Bristol Old Vic theatre school at 16 years old before starting her career at Salisbury Playhouse.

The actress, who would have turned 80 next month, joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1962, performing alongside the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Dame Diana Rigg in Peter Hall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Brake’s preference for acting in television saw her working alongside acclaimed comedians such as Barker and Ronnie Corbett, known as The Two Ronnies.

Fans of the actress took to social media to share their condolences.

Just hearing sad news that actress Patricia Brake has passed aged 79. A fine and long career and always remembered with affection as Ronnie Barker’s daughter, Ingrid Fletcher, in Porridge and sequel Going Straight. pic.twitter.com/QsfVGcx3YQ

— Morris Bright MBE (@Morris__Bright) May 28, 2022

Very sad news for classic TV fans. Farewell to #PatriciaBrake, a fine actor with a gift for comedy: “our Ingrid” to #RonnieBarker‘s “Dad” in #Porridge. Photographed during rehearsals for the sequel Going Straight on 19 February 1978, by Don Smith, for @RadioTimes. pic.twitter.com/Qyjxsq0zwm

— Mark Braxton ???? (@BraxM) May 28, 2022

Oh that’s sad news, Patricia Brake has died ????????. The best line ever spoken in a comedy series. It’s one of my favourites and I use it many times ????????. Unfettered knockers ???????? pic.twitter.com/uDPFFRx4GX

— Chris Craft Kisby (@ChrisKisby) May 28, 2022

Very sad news confirmed today; Patricia Brake has passed away at the age of 79. She played Aunt Tina in the second episode Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. She left after landing a role in the infamous 90s soap opera Eldorado. She is of course best known for Porridge. pic.twitter.com/d4cYPcbEev

— Don’t Slam Your Podcast! 2point4 Children Podcast (@2point4podcast) May 29, 2022

Brake’s marriage to actor Robert McBain in 1966, ended in divorce. She went on to marry Michael Kennedy in 1997.

Brake is survived by her children with McBain, Jon and Hannah, and her three step-children Angus, Sarah and Gavin.