The legendary actress and iconic star who played in the BBC drama Doc Martin passed away just days after she celebrated her 38th birthday.

Actress and vocalist June Marlow, born as Jean Dike, dies on February 22 at her home overlooking Sutton Harbour in Plymouth with loved ones by her side.

Marlow’s daughter Kate Van Dike expressed gratitude for the hospice staff who made it possible for Jean to stay at home during her last days.

She remarked, “They treated Mum with such tenderness and acknowledged her as the most important person. We could never have cared for her at home without their help.”

Despite aging faster, Marlow opted not to dwell on her illness.

Kate added, “Mum didn’t want to focus on that. She kept looking forward and was always pragmatic and driven.”

Kate remembered the warmth that was the hallmark of Marlow’s personality never faded and said, “Even at the end she was still able to flash her beautiful smile.”

Who was June Marlow?

Marlow became a household name after appearing on BBC in a series of acclaimed productions spanning over several decades.

Marlow was born on January 15, 1931, and she was seen being brought up in Plymouth’s Barbican neighborhood.

Marlow’s hidden talent for acting was recognized in early life.

School teachers noticed she was a gifted actor when she started appearing on school nativity productions, singing and entertaining classmates with impressions of iconic performers, including Mae West.

Marlow, throughout her life, kept her acting alive, with her last television appearance coming at age 85.

She played Ethel, a patient who had fallen and injured her hand on a rusted nail.

Marlow appeared in multiple BBC programs, including Jamaica Inn, The Pickwick Papers, and the children’s drama MI High.

However, Doc Martin made her a household name, where she starred alongside Martin Clunes.

• Anne’s ‘wildly unpredictable’ move contradicts King Charles orders
• Mike Tindall supports mother-in-law as royals step back
• Andrew’s arrest leaves Anne is major dilemma, King’s sister takes action

Princess Anne, known for her stoic and no-nonsense approach to matters especially related to the monarchy, seemed to have taken a “wildly unpredictable” step in the wake of the Andrew-Epstein scandal.

In a shocking turn of events, as all royal members distance themselves from the shamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Anne had been privately contacting her middle brother, with the support of her son-in-law, Mike Tindall.

The Princess Royal held her firm stance earlier this week as the royals gathered at the Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service, and ignored the anti-monarchy protestors swarming the vicinity.

King Charles’s sister is of the view that private matters, relating to the members of the royal family should remain out of the public’s reach, a policy that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip adhered to.

However, it became increasingly difficult for the royals to remain oblivious when humiliating photos and emails were exposed in the Epstein files. Anne wad forced to admit that it was now becoming “harder” for the royals to defend Andrew, according to royal expert Richard Kay.

King Charles has made it clear that Andrew is ousted from the royal fold, stripped from his titles and honours, and other members are also advised to keep their distance from the York, especially the Britons’ strong feelings towards the ex-prince.

Although, it does seem like a slight act of defiance if Anne has remained in contact.

“Shaken by his arrest, I understand she has continued to be in contact with him,” the royal expert said. “Despite that familiar gruff and just-get-on-with-it approach she inherited from Prince Philip, Anne has been concerned about Andrew’s mental welfare as his world has imploded.”

He continued, “Intriguingly, this has been encouraged by her son in law, former rugby player Mike Tindall, who may have more real-world experience than any other royal.”

Insiders insist that the Princess Royal understands the “risk of reputational damage to the institution would be considerable” if the royals kept ties with Andrew. Moreover, she supports King Charles’s decision and remains “devoted” to the monarch.