Valerie James, wife of late 'Carry On' star Sid James, dies aged 93
Valerie James, wife of the late comedy actor Sid James, has died at the age of 93.
The actor - who starred opposite Sid in 1971 film Love Story - died on 8 May, which was his birthday, but her family have only just announced her passing.
A statement released on social media said: "Valerie James, lovely wife of Sid and a performer in her own right in her early days, has died aged 93. Val and Sid's family have given me their blessing to post this and I'm sure you will all join me in sending them the very best of wishes."
They added: "Sid and Valerie's family have asked me to pass on how touched they have been by the response and kind thoughts of everyone. Valerie passed away on 8 May (Sid's birthday) and the family needed time to grieve privately."
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Sid James - famous for starring in the Carry On movies with Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques - died in 1976 aged 62.
He married Valerie - his third wife - in 1952 and they had two children, music producer son Steve James, born in 1954, and television producer daughter Sue James.
Valerie was born Valerie Assan, but used Ashton as her stage name, before becoming Val James when she married.
During their marriage Sid had a three year long affair with Carry On co-star and Eastenders actor Dame Barbara Windsor.
Their affair was documented in ITV's 2000 TV film Cor, Blimey!, adapted from the stage play Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick.
Dame Barbara died in December 2020 aged 83 following a battle with Alzheimers, which she was diagnosed with in 2014.
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At the time Dame Barbara was married to East End gangster Ronnie Knight, who was rumoured to have sent threatening messages to Sid regarding the affair.
Watch: Dame Barbara Windsor's funeral procession