'Neighbours' actress Vivean Gray has died.
Alan Fletcher
The legendary star - who played battleaxe Mrs Nell Mangel in the Australian soap from 1986 to 1988 - sadly passed away on Thursday (28.07.16) at the age of 92.
Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison said in a statement: "It's with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Vivean Gray.
"Mrs Mangel was the ultimate busybody, remembered for her conservatism and her caustic wit. She was a true soap legend and we thank her for all the wonderful memories."
It's not yet known how, why or where she passed away but her incredible acting talents - including her role as gossip Ida Jessup in 'The Sullivans' - will be remembered forever by those she worked with and those she was watched by.
Rick Maier, head of drama at Network Ten, told Australian blog TV Tonight: "Mrs Mangel and Mrs Jessup were two of our most iconic characters from one our very best character actors. Ramsay Street changed forever, and certainly no secret was ever safe, with Mrs Mangel on the lookout. Vivean's contribution to Australian drama will never be forgotten. It is a very sad day for 'Neighbours'."
Alan Fletcher - who plays Dr Karl Kennedy in the soap - has taken to his Twitter account following the sad news.
He wrote: "Saddened to see that #ViveanGray who played one of @Neighbours greatest characters, #MrsMangel, has passed away. #NeverForgotten I am sure. (sic)"
Vivean made her mark when she was cast as Mrs Mangel in 'Neighbours' and, although she only portrayed the role for two years, she joined during a classic period for the soap when characters like Madge, Harold Bishop and Helen Daniels were pounding Ramsay Street.
Shortly after she left the iconic show in 1988, Vivean - who was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire - returned to her native England for the quiet life but admitted she was always recognised for playing the busybody on the soap.
She said at the time: "I loved 'Neighbours' and the rest of the cast were marvellous, but because it was so successful I could barely set foot outside my own door without someone screaming abuse at horrid old Mrs Mangel."
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