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Valerie James, wife of late 'Carry On' star Sid James, dies aged 93

Valerie Ashton, widow of Carry On star Sid James has died, aged 93. (Getty Images)
Valerie Ashton, widow of Carry On star Sid James has died, aged 93. (Getty Images)

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."

Sid James and his wife Valerie Ashton at the film premiere of Love Story in 1971, in which the two starred together. (Getty Images)
Sid James and his wife Valerie Ashton at the film premiere of Love Story in 1971, in which the two starred together. (Getty Images)

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."

Read more: Carry On films to make a comeback after 27 years

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.

Valerie Ashton at Broadcasting House for the unveiling of the Comic Heritage Blue Plaque for Sid James in 2002. (PA)
Valerie Ashton at Broadcasting House for the unveiling of the Comic Heritage Blue Plaque for Sid James in 2002. (PA)

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.

Read more: Dame Barbara Windsor's Carry On Camping bikini sells for £9,500 at auction

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