Jill Gascoine, star of The Gentle Touch, dies aged 83

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - British actor Jill Gascoine, known for starring in 1980s TV drama The Gentle Touch, has died after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 83.

Gascoine played Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in ITV's The Gentle Touch, the first British police drama with a woman in the main role.

She continued playing the character in spin-off C.A.T.S. Eyes, and also starred in The Onedin Line in the 1970s.

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She was married to actor Alfred Molina. After moving to Los Angeles with Molina in the 1990s, she went on to become a novelist.

Her son Adam Gascoine confirmed her death on Facebook Wednesday, writing: "She suffered from Alzheimer's for 10 years, so today was a thankful release. The family is all well, and relieved that she's not suffering any more."

He said there would not be a memorial "for a good while due to the current climate," and that the family would likely plan services in London and Los Angeles.

Gascoine added: "She was a wonderful human and a spirit of truth and absolute, unconditional love. There was no other. I am happy she's moved on. Please raise a glass. Be kind and love deeply!"

In 2009, Gascoine was due to join soap EastEnders as Glenda Mitchell — the mother of Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell — but later withdrew from the role and it was re-cast, with Glynis Barber taking on the part.

Gascoine said at the time: "Having spent the last 15 years working in America... I felt on arrival I lacked the right experience to film such a big continuing drama. I have tremendous respect for EastEnders and the cast so I don't want to let the show or my fellow cast members down."