Love Actually and EastEnders star Jo Bacon dies aged 72 as tributes pour in

Warm tributes have been pouring in following the passing of a 'brilliant' actor, known for her role in one of Love Actually's most memorable scenes.

Jo Bacon portrayed Natalie's mother in the 2003 romantic comedy, where Hugh Grant, playing the Prime Minister, arrives at their south London home in search of Martine McCutcheon's character.

Bacon, who was immensely loved in the realms of television, theatre, film, and ballet, also graced screens in EastEnders, Casualty, The Bill, Pie in the Sky, Little Britain, A Touch of Frost, and New Tricks. Her performance as Jackie, the mother of Paul played by Martin Freeman, in Breeders, garnered critical acclaim.

Martin Freeman was among the many actors who bid farewell to Bacon, who passed away at the age of 72, during her funeral service held yesterday.

Celebrant Jo Moore paid homage to Bacon's talents: "Jo's talent as an actor was a gift that she shared with the world. On stage and on screen, she brought us joy, laughter, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she reached."

Moore continued, highlighting Bacon's multifaceted nature: "She was a woman of many talents and facets, and I would like to share with you a description of Jo, given by Gill, one of her lifelong friends: 'Jo's life was a wonderful, elaborate, kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions and only Jo was at the centre and could see and enjoy the whole kaleidoscope.

"'In many ways Jo was a contradiction - a flamboyant extrovert, a superb wit, a natural communicator and yet, at the same time, an introspective loner.

"'We all thought we knew her so well but, in reality, we each only knew and loved one aspect of her'," reports the Mirror.

Following her cancer diagnosis in January, Jo herself reflected: "I have had a brilliant life. I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets."

Patrick Roberts, a close friend of Bacon's, spoke with fervour as he remembered her zest for life, her passion for travel, and her love for animals.

The congregation experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, with applause, laughter, and tears as they listened to various heartfelt stories about her life and career.

Barry Bowen, another friend, fondly recalled: "The thing I remember and love most about her I suspected in those early local days and it proved true in spades as the years went by.... her unfailing loyalty to her friends.

"If Jo had wanted to be anything other than the humble person we all knew, she was so well equipped to be a name dropper. Sharing stages and studios with the likes of Redgrave, O'Toole, Mirren, Bates, Rickman, Grant, Firth and Freeman were a silent compliment to her."

Attendees were reminded of how Bacon began her acting journey in the 1960s and 1970s with amateur dramatic societies in Hatfield Heath and Harlow, Essex. Despite her growing success, Bacon remained a dedicated supporter of local arts, often seen at performances by the Heath Players, Harlow Ballet, and at the Harlow Playhouse, close to her home in Hatfield Heath.

Her coffin departed from GreenAcres Epping to the tune of the Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Women. A passionate animal enthusiast, especially dogs, she requested that donations be made to a local charity named Mutts in Distress.