Neighbours' Mrs Mangel actress Vivean Gray dies at 92

Vivean Gray - the British-born actress who played meddlesome Neighbours character Nell Mangel - has died at the age of 92.

Gray, who was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, was best known for her role in the Australian soap, but also played gossipy neighbour Ida Jessup in The Sullivans.

She landed her most famous role, as busybody Mrs Mangel in Neighbours, in 1986.

Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison said in a statement: "It's with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Vivean Gray.

"Mrs Mangel was the ultimate busybody, remembered for her conservatism and her caustic wit. She was a true soap legend and we thank her for all the wonderful memories."

Rick Maier, head of drama at Network Ten, told Australian blog TV Tonight: "Mrs Mangel and Mrs Jessup were two of our most iconic characters from one our very best character actors.

"Ramsay Street changed forever, and certainly no secret was ever safe, with Mrs Mangel on the lookout.

"Vivean's contribution to Australian drama will never be forgotten. It is a very sad day for the Neighbours family."