Bella Ramsey stars in new CBBC drama The Worst Witch
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Children’s author Jill Muphy has died at the age of 72 following a battle with cancer. The beloved author was well known for her book series The Worst Witch.
Jill’s death was confirmed by her son Charlie who was at her side when she passed away.
He said in a statement: “I feel beyond lucky to have had a mum like mine and it’s impossible to summarise the ways her absence will be felt.
“She had a depth of character, a warmth and a life force like no other.
“I miss her so much already.”
Jill’s book series The Worst Witch was much-loved as it followed a young witch named Mildred Hubble.
These were turned into a popular television series which ran on the BBC between 1998 and 2001.
Starring stars like Felicity Jones and Una Stubbs, the show was a big hit.
It was later revived in 2010s once again on CBBC.
Born in 1949, Jill was a British author and illustator of children’s books.
She began her writing career while she as still at school before completing her first novel in 1970.
The first book in the series was published in 1974 and Jill went on to write seven more.
The latest of these came out in 2018, titled First Prize for the Worst Witch.
Jill also wrote a number of other picture books and novels.
Her most recent was entitled Just One of Those Days and came out last year.
Her agent and friend of more than 30 years, Pamela Todd also paid tribute in a statement.
She said: “It’s a sad day for children’s books. Jill was so creative, beautiful and funny.
“Her genius lay in the way both the child and the adult could identify with her stories, which she wrote and illustrated herself.
“Children who grew up on Peace At Last, Whatever Next! and The Large Family are now buying the books for their children’s children.
“The little girls who created playground games around Mildred Hubble and her classmates are now directing, producing and acting in the television series of The Worst Witch and the stage show, which last year took the Olivier award.
“Jill was just coming into her prime and had so much more to offer. This is a great loss, not least to me personally, but we are comforted that she leaves an amazing legacy of books for generations to come.”
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