Celebrities pay tribute to Adrian Mole author

A host of celebrities have paid tribute to Adrian Mole author Sue Townsend who has passed away at the age of 68.

Sarah Millican, Dawn O’Porter and Gok Wan were among the stars who expressed their sadness at the passing of the much-loved writer from a stroke.

The writer became a household name in the 1980s with the publication of her novel, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4. There were seven more sequels of the book.

In recent years, Sue had battled ill health, going blind from diabetes and suffering a stroke.

Comedian Sarah Millican wrote on Twitter, “Such sad news about Sue Townsend. Just about to start reading The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year. Will do so now with a heavier heart.”

TV presenter and wife of Irish actor Chris O’Dowd, Dawn O’Porter tweeted, “Sue Townsend, thanks for leaving us with all of your wonderful stories. RIP :(((.”

TV stylist Gok Wan added, “Deeply saddened to hear the hugely talented Sue Townsend has died. My thoughts are with her family. Adrian Mole was a big part of my youth x.”

Episodes actor Stephen Mangan, who played Adrian Mole in the TV version of Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years, was also a big fan of Sue’s work.

He tweeted, “Greatly upset to hear that Sue Townsend has died. One of the warmest, funniest and wisest people I ever met.”