Dawn French has paid tribute to her "loyal and loving friend", Emma Chambers.

Dawn French

Dawn French

The 'Vicar of Dibley' actress has been left distraught by the passing of her former co-star - who was best known for playing Alice Tinker in the BBC comedy from 1994 to 2007 - last week at the age of 53.

She said: "Emma was a very bright spark and the most loyal and loving friend anyone could wish for. I will miss her very much."

And the 60-year-old comic also shared a photo of herself and Emma on set on 'The Vicar of Dibley' and praised her "unique and beautiful" friend.

She wrote: "I was regularly humped like this by the unique and beautiful spark that was Emma Chambers. I never minded. I loved her. A lot."

A number of other stars took to social media to share tributes to Emma, who died from natural causes last Wednesday (21.02.18).

Her 'Notting Hill' co-star James Dreyfus wrote: "RIP the wonderful and talented Emma Chambers. Unique & unspeakably funny. Too young. Thoughts with her family. X sic)"

Film producer Richard Shotcroft posted: "RIP the wonderful Emma Chambers - best known for The Vicar of Dibley but also stole every scene in Notting Hill. Only 53.(sic)"

And Jeremy Clarkson admitted he was "sad" about the news as he had known Emma for several decades.

He tweeted: "I'm sad about Emma Chambers. Knew her when she was a kid in Doncaster. She was very funny."

Emma's agent, John Grant, confirmed her sad passing and said she would be "greatly missed".

He added: "Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many."

Emma is survived by her husband and fellow actor, Ian Dunn.