Carry On legend Sid James’ wife, Valerie James, dies aged 93 on actor’s birthday-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Valerie James, wife of Sidney James, has died age 93 (Picture: REX / Getty)

Valerie James has died at the age of 93, her family have confirmed.

The actress, who used the stage name Valerie Ashton, reportedly died on 8 May – her husband’s birthday.

James had been married to Carry On star Sidney James, who died at the age of 62 in 1976.

News of James’ passing was confirmed on Friday with a post on social media, according to the Daily Mail.

It said: ‘In very sad news, Valerie James, lovely wife of Sid and a performer in her own right in her early days, has died aged 93.’

They said they had received the ‘blessing’ from James’ family to post the news, telling followers ‘I’m sure you will all join me in sending them the very best of wishes.’

The actress married the Carry On star 70 years ago, and reportedly died on his birthday (Picture: Getty Images)

A post on social media with the blessings of the James family confirmed the sad news (Picture: Getty Images)

The actress leaves behind two grown-up children (Picture: Murray Sanders/Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock)

In a later post, they added: ‘Sid & Valerie’s family have asked me to pass on how touched they have been by the response & kind thoughts of everyone.

‘Valerie passed away on 8th May (Sid’s birthday) and the family needed time to grieve privately.’

Actress James had previously appeared on The Sid James Show alongside her husband in 1973, and also made an appearance on tribute show The Unforgettable Sid James, released in 2000 following his death.

The couple had had two children together, Steve and Sue, who went on to work in music and TV respectively.

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Together with their children, the James’ had lived in Buckinghamshire close to Pinewood Studios where the Carry On films were shot.

He died suddenly in April 1976 after suffering a heart attack on stage, with audiences reportedly thinking the medical emergency was part of the show.

Before his death, James had made 19 Carry On films, making him one of the most regular performers out of the large cast.

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