Glenda Jackson dies aged 87 after 'brief illness'

Glenda Jackson has died aged 87 “after a brief illness”.

The Oscar winner and former Labour MP passed away at her home in Blackheath, south-east London, her agent said.

Lionel Larner said: "Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.

Read more: Boredom drew me to acting, says Glenda Jackson

"She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine."

Jackson was known for both film and TV and also appeared on the stage.

She scooped Oscars for her performances in the movies Women In Love (1969) and A Touch Of Class (1973), and was also nominated on two other occasions.

Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmys and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry.

She gave up acting for politics and in 1992 she was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Tony Blair’s government.

The late star stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and went back to acting.

Later films included Mothering Sunday and The Great Escaper, which is about a Second World War veteran who escaped his care home in East Sussex to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

David Baddiel was along those to pay tribute to Jackson, tweeting: "I know she achieved extraordinary heights in many fields, but the thing I will always love Glenda Jackson for is unironically saying in a radio interview that she felt the height of her acting career was performing with Morecambe And Wise."

Carol Vorderman posted: "A part of my growing up years... Watching the Oscar winning actress Glenda Jackson be her extraordinary self. And then to see this unique woman turn into a firebrand in politics was deeply impressive for young girls like me. May she Rest In Peace."

Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, which was Jackson’s constituency from 2010 to 2015 after she previously held the old seat of Hampstead and Highgate from 1992 to 2010, tweeted: “Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died.

Read more: Sir Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson reunited in new image for The Great Escaper

“A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda.”

Additional reporting from PA.

Watch: Jackson wins Best Actress at Tonys