The death has occurred of the actor and food writer Biddy White Lennon who rose to prominence in the RTÉ soap opera The Riordans.

She starred in the long-running series as Maggie Nael who married the central character Benjy Riordan. The show ran from 1965 to 1979.

She wrote scripts for it after it moved to radio.

Later she went on to have a career as a prolific food writer. She was a founder member and chairwoman of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild.

She was prominent on Irish television screens again when she appeared as a judge on TV3’s The Great Irish Bake Off. Its presenter Anna Nolan tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the passing of my Bake Off companion and judge Biddy White Lennon. We all loved her.”

Ms White Lennon was born in Dublin into a theatrical family. Her mother Ursula White was a drama teacher and had a theatre on Ely Place.

Biddy began acting when she was four and joined The Riordans when she was 18. Her father died before her 10th birthday.

Saddened

In a statement, RTÉ said: “RTÉ is saddened to hear about the death of our former colleague Biddy White Lennon.

“Biddy, who worked on both television and radio in RTÉ will always be fondly remembered for her role as Maggie in The Riordans.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. May she rest in peace.”

*She is predeceased by her husband Denis Latimer who died last December. The couple had one son Dairsie.

Fellow food writer Ross Golden-Bannon wrote: “Farewell Biddy White Lennon. I will miss your great wit and wisdom and your many thoughtful kindnesses to me.

“Ireland has lost a fearless advocate of real food. She spoke truth to power wherever she went with disarming charm. It’s so hard to say goodbye.”

*Article amended at 10.17pm on Sunday, November 26th.