ACTRESS Geraldine McEwan, known for playing Agatha Christie sleuth Miss Marple on television, has died aged 82.

McEwan starred in the role of the spinster consultant detective Jane Marple in 12 TV films aired on ITV.

The Bafta award winner had a long and successful career in theatre, television and films which saw her work with the likes of Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Williams.

Her son Greg and daughter Claudia said in a statement: "Following a stroke at the end of October and a period in hospital, Geraldine McEwan passed away peacefully on January 30.

"Her family would like to thank the staff at Charing Cross Hospital who cared for her incredibly well."

Born Geraldine McKeown in Old Windsor, Berkshire, McEwan announced she was retiring from the role of Miss Marple in 2008.

She won a Bafta TV award for best actress in 1991 for her role in Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.