Haydn Gwynne, known best for her role as  Lady Susan Hussey in The  Crown, has passed away.  

The BAFTA-nominated actress died on  Friday at  the age of 66, after  recently being diagnosed with cancer.  

Her agent  confirmed the news in a  statement, which reads,  “It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.”

“We would like to thank the staff and teams at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their wonderful care over the last few weeks.”

While best known for her role in The Crown, Gwynne  was praised for her role as Alex Pates in 1990s UK show  Drop the Dead Donkey, as well as her portrayal of  Camilla in  The Windsors  alongside Harry Enfield.

The star earned a BAFTA and Tony Award nomination for her role in  Billy Elliot the Musical  on the West End.

Haydn played Billy Elliot’s dance teacher and was due to return to the stage last month, but sadly had to pull out of the project after  being diagnosed with cancer.

The actress lived in London with her partner Jason Phipps and their two sons.

Image credits: Getty Images