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Actress Gwyneth Powell, who was best known for playing headmistress Mrs McClusky in the BBC series Grange Hill<\/a>, has died aged 76, it has been confirmed.<\/p>\n Powell\u2019s agent Matthew Lacey revealed in a statement on behalf of the family that she died \u201cafter complications following a major operation for a perforated colon.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement added: \u201cShe passed away peacefully, with her husband (Alan Leith) and niece at her bedside.<\/p>\n \u201cGwyneth will be greatly missed by her adoring family and friends along with her many fans from multiple TV appearances.\u201d<\/p>\n Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children\u2019s and Education, said: \u201cWe are very sorry to hear of the passing of Gwyneth Powell.<\/p>\n \u201cHer famous portrayal of Mrs McClusky is one that will be fondly remembered by all those that grew up watching Grange Hill<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.\u201d<\/p>\n Lee MacDonald, who starred as Zammo McGuire on Grange Hill, was among those to pay tribute to his former co-star, writing on Twitter<\/a>: \u201cSo sad to hear the loss of Gwyneth Powell AKA Mrs McClusky, what a wonderful lady and will be missed by so many, she was a massive part of my childhood, sleep well Gwyneth.\u201d<\/p>\n So sad to hear the loss of Gwyneth Powell AKA Mrs McClusky, what a wonderful lady and will be missed by so many, she was a massive part of my childhood, sleep well Gwyneth \u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f xxx pic.twitter.com\/iQWyPGYDQf<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Lee MacDonald (@leemacdonald) September 12, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>