Holly Valance pays tribute to former Neighbours co-star Janet Andrewartha

Former Neighbours star Holly Valance has led tributes to actress Janet Andrewartha, who died suddenly aged 72.

Tributes are pouring in for former Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha, whose death at the age of 72 was announced on Sunday.

The Melbourne-born star, who played Lyn Scully on the iconic Australian soap between 1999 and 2006, and infrequently reprised her role in the years afterwards, died peacefully in Melbourne on Friday with her daughters Sarah and Eloise by her side, according to Herald Sun.

Former Neighbours star Holly Valance, who now goes by her married name Holly Candy, posted a heartfelt note on X alongside a recent selfie of the pair in the UK at Christmas time last year.

Despite Candy leaving the series in 2002, before moving to the UK where she now resides, the 41-year-old pop singer maintained a close friendship with Andrewartha, having played her daughter Felicity Scully.

“Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha,” Candy began her post.

Holly Candy paid tribute to her former Neighbours co-star Janet Andrewartha.

Andrewartha also starred in the Aussie series Prisoner. Picture: Supplied

She continued, “She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15. I’ll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I’m so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman.

“I’m so glad it was you who played my Mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend.”

Candy previously shared the pair’s London catch-up in December while Andrewartha was visiting the city to attend a fan convention for the Australian TV series Prisoner.

At the time, Candy posted photos to X showing the pair sitting at home watching an episode of Neighbours.

“Just at home watchin’ tele with me Ma,” Candy captioned the photos, along with a love heart.

The former co-stars caught up in December 2023. Picture: X

The sad news was first announced on Sunday on official Neighbours social media accounts.

“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” a post read.

“Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be remembered for her wide body of work, which includes her memorable turn as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.”

Fellow Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne, who has starred as Susan Kennedy on the show since 1994, also a released an emotional statement, having shared an “enduring bond” with the late actress since the 80s.

Andrewartha with Neighbours star Carla Bonner, who played her on-screen daughter Stephanie Scully. Picture: Supplied/Channel 10

Jackie Woodburne also paid tribute, pictured alongside co-star Alan Fletcher. Picture: Steve Tanner

“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman,” Woodburne, 68, wrote.

“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun. To me she was a steadfast friend for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.”

Andrewartha was working up until fairly recently, appearing in Safe Home on SBS, and in the newly-released Logie-nominated Paramount+ drama Fake starring Asher Keddie.

A cause of death is yet to be released.