We lost another national treasure today with the passing of the Queen of Comedy Victoria Wood.
A gifted writer, actress and stand up, she paved the way for other women to establish themselves in comedy.
An intensely private person, she gave her all to her work and as well as her comedy writing and acting, she did so much for charity.
Whilst her illness and death have come as a dreadful shock, we should remember the unsurpassed body of work she leaves behind.
Here are 12 of Victoria’s finest moments. Goodbye, dear lady – you will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Two soups
Ready to order sir? One soup. And..another soup. Two soups…
Swim the channel
Possibly one of the most bittersweet sketches ever written. Wood plays Chrissy, who is going to swim the channel. Only no-one cares. Not even her friend Marie, who’s in Kidderminster.
Is it on the trolley?
Can yer point at it? Is it a sorbet? They’re good castors, aren’t they? I’ve just been over to cutlery…
University
“What re you reading at the moment?” “Othello. It’s a book by William Shakespeare. Of the Royal Shakespeare Company” “And what is the main plot of Othello?” “I don’t think it’s got one. It’s just people talking, and sometimes they do things in brackets”
Kitty
“What’s that terrible smell?” “It’s Ma Griffe”, “Well it wants washing…”
Supermarket
The sketch with the bacon that was 20 years old. And the dead dog’s blanket. Pure joy.
Welcome to Fatties with Attitude
“Connie…kick your own buttock”
Madeline
“Modelling, Madeline? If you go meddling wi’ modelling you’ll be middling our Madeline…”
Jayne Mansfield’s Balls
How many knobs ‘as your TV got? 4? Mine’s got 5…
Well, I don’t care cos I’m getting a bracelet
The Making of Acorn Antiques
Ear wax. It’s an issue. Plus Mrs Overall’s piles.
Barry and Freda
Needs no introduction – and is probably her most famous song. Barry and Freda (otherwise known as Lets Do It)
Marjorie and Joan
These two battling television battleaxes were a highlight of As Seen on TV. Perfect.
