Johnny Vegas has announced that his mother Patricia has died at the age of 82. Taking to his Twitter page on Tuesday to reveal the sad news, the 49-year-old comedian honoured his late mum - who he affectionately referred to as Ma Vegas – in the sweetest way. "With a kind of deep regret that I'm still incapable of processing, I have to confirm that Ma Vegas, Patricia, passed away last Sunday, peacefully in her sleep," he wrote. "To say she was a bit of a character would be too huge an underestimation. As a Mum I dare to argue I had the best x."
Johnny Vegas has paid tribute to his late mum
Patricia's passing comes two weeks after Johnny claimed his mother was turned away from an A&E department after she had to wait three hours for an ambulance. "Three-hour wait on an ambulance but A&E had to close its doors, full to capacity," the TV star tweeted on 2 November. "Why be angry at the incredible folk working under unbelievable stress? I remain grateful, my bitterness belongs to Boris Johnson (and) Conservatives at your neglect of our NHS and blatant drive to privatise."
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Johnny's friends and fans were quick to send their condolences, with Shayne Ward writing: "Sending you Strength & love Johnny. Sorry for your loss xx." Aled Jones added: "Sending you all my love pal and here if you need anything xxxx." Joe McElderry remarked: "What a brilliant women she was! Lots of love and thoughts to you and your family xxxx." BBC weather reporter Kate Kinsella stated: "I'm so sorry to hear this. I remember a while ago you talking of her fondness for cardigans... this stuck in my head for some reason. She sounded like a wonderful mum x."
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