Better known as Patsy Byrne, born on July 13, 1933 in Ashford, Kent, England. Easily remembered for one role that is iconic… “Nursie”(Bernard) in Blackadder!

Patsy was married to Patrick John Seccombe from 1967 until his death in 2000. It is with a saddened heart that we lose an icon on 17 June 2014 at Denville Hall, a retirement home for performers in Northwood, London. She was 80. She leaves behind her 6 step-children.

Her career spanned from 1962, The Cherry Orchard, all the way to 2006 on Holby City. Her range of acting was vast and was even on BBC’s children TV shows, as well as dramas and, of course, comedies.

Her talent is not restricted to the screen, but having toured the with the RSC, where Patsy met her husband, she also doubled as an assistant stage manager, at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch. Later taking acting roles at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, and eventually the Royal Court in London. In 1998, Patsy played the character, “Toussaint” in Les Miserable.

The only daughter of a railway engineer, Patricia Anne Thirza Byrne was born on July 13 1933 at Ashford, Kent, and educated at Ashford Grammar School for Girls. After studying Drama at the Rose Bruford College.

Patsy Byrne revealed that the Queen’s nurse’s real name was Bernard, apparently an in-joke inspired by the Conservative politician Bernard Jenkin.

Her loss is to the industry will not be forgotten and immortalised as her character in Blackadder, she will live on and thankfully bring a smile as big as hers! With Rik Mayall (Lord Flasheart) also passing through the veil, I am sure they will be banding together making jokes and more laughter with their own sketches.

Thank you, Patsy, may you hold your head high, as you leave a legacy most actors only dream of.