Victoria Wood kept her cancer secret for six months, according to fellow actor

The 62-year-old comedian, actress and writer died at home from cancer. Credit: Peter Jordan / PA Wire/PA Images

Victoria Wood kept her cancer secret for six months, according to a fellow actor.

The 62-year-old comedian, actress and writer died at home with her family after a "short but brave" battle with cancer.

Duncan Preston, who appeared with Wood in the BBC sitcom Dinnerladies and As Seen On TV, told the Daily Mail that he had no idea she was ill until her family called him to say that she had died.

Actor Duncan Preston starred with Victoria Wood in the sitcom 'Dinnerladies'. Credit: Ian West / PA Archive/PA Images

"I don't think many people did know. She'd had cancer for about six months," he said.

The 69-year-old Emmerdale actor called her a "champion of the common people" and writing in the Daily Mirror he said: "I am shocked.

"All I know is it's a great loss to comedy in this country. She was a very special writer and the world has lost a great, great comedienne."