Linda Smith is survived by her partner Warren Lakin Comic Linda Smith, a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, has died of cancer at the age of 48. The writer and broadcaster was a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and BBC Radio, whose listeners voted her "Wittiest Person" in 2002.
She made frequent appearances on Just A Minute and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, as well as the TV shows Have I Got News For You, Room 101 and Mock the Week.
Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer said her passing was "a terrible loss".
That's very sad news; there are so few genuinely funny women on the TV and radio as it is. She was great, and capable of being funny about anything, not just "being female".
there are so few genuinely funny women on the TV and radio as it is. She was great, and capable of being funny about anything, not just "being female".
my thoughts exactly. Such a pity - glad to see Radio 4 are paying proper tribute.
Shocking waste. Only thought recently that 'Mock the Week' could really benefit from her. Given that his wife also died of cancer recently,that makes 2 women that Paul Merton has lost in that way.
I shed a tear when I read the Guardian this morning - what a loss! A unique comedic talent...sharp, intelligent, political and very human. A touching and true obituary by Jeremy Hardy, her male counterpart. I'll miss her.
