Bread star Jean Boht dies aged 91

Actress Jean Boht had been married to award-winning composer Carl Davis, who died just a month ago

Actress Jean Boht, best known for the role of Nellie Boswell in the hit sitcom Bread, has died at the age of 91.

The star, who had been battling dementia, was also known for her appearances on shows such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Last Of The Summer Wine, Brighton Belles, Doctors, Grange Hill, Juliet Bravo and Boys From The Blackstuff.

A statement from her family said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday, September 12. Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.

Jean Boht at Liverpool Cathedral for the funeral of television comedy writer Carla Lane. Actress Jean Boht, best known for playing Nellie Boswell in sitcom Bread, has died aged 91, her family said. Picture: PA

“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”

Boht had a long and varied career on stage and screen, but it was her role on Bread, created by Carla Lane, for which she was best known.

Running from 1986 to 1991, the show was watched by more than 20 million people at its peak and Boht won a British Comedy Award for best TV comedy actress.

She was the subject of the biographical television show This Is Your Life in 1989.

Boht was married to the award-winning composer Carl Davis, who died last month. The had two children and three grandchildren.