Actor Amy Nuttall has paid tribute to her mother in an emotional social media post after her death following a brain tumour diagnosis.
The former Downton Abbey and Emmerdale star, 41, described mother-of-three Elaine Nuttall as 'my rock' and 'my best friend'.
She revealed Mrs Nuttall, who was also a well-respected actor and artist, 'died in my arms' last month after the sudden diagnosis in July.
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Writing on Instagram on Sunday, former Bury Grammar pupil Amy posted: "My heart is beating loudly whilst I write this.
"Yesterday I said goodbye to my beautiful dear mummy. She was diagnosed in July with a glioblastoma (grade 4). To say it was the biggest shock would be an understatement.
"Together with my wonderful family, we helped care for her to the end where she died in my arms as I lay beside her on 30/10/23 at 5.05pm. She humbled us all with how she handled this cruel diagnosis… never complaining, always smiling and bringing her daft humour to the fore every day.
"Mum, you were my rock. Always. My best friend. I’m not sure how I’m going to do life without you but I know you’ll always be with me to carry me through as you always did. Thank you mummy… you gave me the best days I ever had."
Writing on Twitter she added: "I would love to help raise awareness for the cruel disease which is #glioblastoma #braintumour. My dear mum passed away recently because of this horrid disease. Rest in peace my beautiful mum. She was the best."
Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies network paid tribute to a 'tour de force' and said Mrs Nuttall would be 'greatly missed by us all'.
On Facebook they said: "Everyone from Bolton's amateur theatre family send all their love and thoughts to Amy and the rest of the family."
A funeral service was held in Hoghton, Chorley, on November 17.
