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Tributes paid to actress and BBC presenter

Angela Ferguson
BBC News, Yorkshire
PA Media Kathryn Apanowicz is smiling and wearing a cream dress and brown formal hat with cream feather detail. Richard Whiteley is also smiling and is wearing a black three-piece suit with white shirt and pink tie. PA Media
Kathryn Apanowicz "was always at her happiest" at the side of partner Richard Whiteley, presenter Carol Vorderman says

Tributes have been paid to actress and broadcaster Kathryn Apanowicz following her death at the age of 64.

The EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale star also presented shows for BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York.

Apanowicz was the partner of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley, with her death announced on Monday after a long illness.

Writing on social media, Carol Vorderman, who appeared on Countdown alongside Whiteley, said: "Now, she will be with him again, at his side, where she was always at her happiest. Rest In Peace my friend."

Apanowicz, who grew up in Leeds, played the role of caterer Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders during the late 1980s.

The actress, who played Rose Butchins in BBC medical drama Angels, also featured in musical comedy Bugsy Malone as a child.

PA Media/John Giles Kathryn Apanowicz smiles while walking past crowds of people. She is wearing a cream-coloured coat with a poppy pinned to it. She is walking alongside Carol Vorderman, who is wearing a red dress and cream-coloured coat as well as a poppy.PA Media/John Giles
Kathryn Apanowicz, pictured alongside Carol Vorderman at the memorial service for Richard Whiteley at York Minster in 2005

Former ITV and BBC TV presenter Christa Ackroyd shared: "Reunited with her beloved Richard.

"I will miss you so much my lovely friend. What adventures we had. The world will always be a duller place without you."

ITV Calendar presenter Ian White posted: "Kathryn was full of fun and positivity and a joy to spend time with. Always a hoot!"

Kathryn Apanowicz is smiling as she stands alongside Leslie Grantham playing Den Watts in the Queen Vic pub.
Apanowicz played caterer Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders, who was in a relationship with Queen Vic landlord Den Watts

A BBC spokesperson said: "We are so saddened to hear of Kathy's passing, she was a hugely popular member of the team both at BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York.

"Kathy was fun to work with, loved interacting with our listeners and will be greatly missed."

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