Cheryl Hall, the actress best known for her role as Shirley Johnson in the British sitcom Citizen Smith and for appearing in EastEnders, has died at the age of 76. The news was confirmed by her former partner, actor Robin Askwith, who shared a tribute on social media. No cause of death has been announced.
Robin Askwith leads tributes
Robin Askwith, who was in a relationship with Hall in the late 1960s, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce her passing. He wrote: "What a force of nature she was... A really innovative, working-class, charismatic actress coming out of the late 60s. Brave in every way. And now I have the sad news that she has passed away... I am devastated... she was my beginning... RIP Cheryl Hall."
Hall, who was born in London, began her television career in the early 1970s. One of her earliest roles was in 1971, when she played Eileen, a clippie, in the On the Buses episode "The Epidemic." She later appeared in several episodes of EastEnders in 1988 as Christine, and had a recurring role as Sadie in The Bill.
Citizen Smith and personal life
Hall is perhaps most remembered for her role as Shirley Johnson in Citizen Smith, which ran from 1977 to 1979. She played the girlfriend of Robert Lindsay's character, Wolfie Smith, a self-proclaimed Marxist "urban guerrilla" from Tooting. The sitcom, created by John Sullivan, followed Wolfie as he led a small, disorganized group called the Tooting Popular Front.
In real life, Hall and Lindsay were married for three years, from 1974 to 1980, after meeting on the show. Their on-screen chemistry mirrored their off-screen relationship.
Fans pay tribute
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from fans on social media. One fan wrote: "Met her a few times back in the 60s. Her dad, George, was a regular in The Shakespeare next to Bethnal Green Police Station and she came in with him from time to time." Another added: "Was watching the Sweeney last night (contact breaker) and she pop up in that episode. Beautiful lady. Sorry for your loss."
Cheryl Hall's career spanned several decades, with appearances in some of Britain's most beloved television shows. Her death marks the loss of a distinctive talent of the era.
