Actress Briony McRoberts, who appeared in Scottish soap Take the High Road for nine years, has died after being hit by a Tube train near her home in London, her agent said yesterday.

The body of McRoberts, 56, who was married to Downton Abbey actor David Robb, was found at Fulham Broadway station just after 8.30am on Wednesday.

Agent Katie Threlfall said the "well-loved" and "vibrant" actress had taken her own life, describing the death as "unbelievably shocking".

She said: "It's just a terrible, terrible loss of a wonderful woman. Nobody had any idea it was going to happen. Her husband is deeply shocked.

"She was a wonderful woman who had troubles and she will be very much missed."

McRoberts's successful TV career included roles in Taggart, EastEnders, The Bill and Heartbeat.