Judy Loe, the actress, who has died of cancer aged 78, was a busy leading lady on television in the 1980s and 1990s; her ability to play strong and witty women saw her dubbed the “quintessential Eighties heroine” by The Sunday Telegraph’s TV critic Philip Purser.

Kate Beckinsale is mourning the loss of her 'dearest friend,' her mother British actor Judy Loe. Loe died this week at age 78 from cancer.

Best known for her work on such TV shows as 'General Hospital,' 'Inspector Morse,' 'Casualty' and 'Holby City,' Loe died Tuesday following a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.