Lorraine Cheshire has died aged 65. The actress was best known for playing Fleur Budgen in BBC's Waterloo Road and Lorraine Bird in the Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge. Her Early Doors co-star Christina Bottomley penned an emotional tribute on her Instagram Stories on December 19. "A brandy and coke for Lorraine," she penned. "It was always a brandy and coke." In a separate story, the actress reposted a tribute to Lorraine, adding: "No words for today," alongside a broken heart emoji.

TV presenter Anthony Crank paid tribute to Lorraine, describing the actress as one of the "kindest souls" he has ever met as he shared the news on his Facebook page. He wrote: "Just heard the horrific news that beautiful Lorraine has passed over. One of the kindest, funniest, beautiful and caring souls I ever had the privilege to know. My heart goes out to John and all that knew her. This week is awful, just hell on earth. Please give your loved ones the biggest squeeze tonight. REST IN POWER YOU ABSOLUTE QUEEN." Tributes began pouring in for Lorraine, with many expressing their sadness over the tragic news.

"Oh no. What a wonderful actor and human being she was," another wrote as a third shared: "OMG what a shock to hear. I met her through a close friend of mine who is also an actor and they worked on Ackley bridge together. Just so very sad and my thoughts are with her husband, friends and family."

Another penned: "Really sorry to hear Lorraine Cheshire has died. She was a wonderful actress and a real comic."

A fifth posted: "What sad news. Lorraine Cheshire we had the pleasure of knowing each other through my sister's work. You really were such a kind, warm soul... thinking of all your family at this heartbreaking time."

Lorraine began her acting career in her mid-30s, after her husband was made redundant from the Army, reports TMDB.

Her first official role was in BBC's Cranford, appearing as Jo Warren in two episodes. She went on to appear in a number of hit shows including Clocking Off, Having It Off and Holby City.

Lorraine's first main role came in 2003 when she was cast as Joan Bell in BBC's Early Doors, portraying the role for two series. She was cast as Fleur Budgen, the wife of teacher Grantly Budgen, in Waterloo Road in 2007, playing the character on and off until 2012.

In 2008, she starred as Lorraine Finnegan in the BBC Three series Massive. In 2011, Lorraine landed the role of customer service representative Sue Benson in the Sky sitcom Trollied, portraying the character for all seven series until it ended in 2018.

Between this period, Lorraine appeared in BBC series Doctors, Casualty and In the Club. Lorraine appeared as Lorraine Bird in all five seasons of Ackley Bridge from 2017 to 2022.