The world was shocked last year when beloved comedian Victoria Wood passed away.
The 62 year-old’s passing seemed sudden – though she had been privately battling terminal cancer.
Now nearly a year on from her death, Wood’s life is being celebrated in a new BBC One series.
Across six episodes, Our Friend Victoria pays tribute to the multi-talented comedy star, presenting her best sketches in new compilations that show just why she was so good.
Victoria Wood - In pictures
Victoria Wood - In pictures
1/17 Priceless comedy
Victoria Wood, Julie Walters and Celia Imrie in Acorn Antiques sketch in Victoria Wood's As Seen On TV
Donald Maclellan/Getty Images
3/17 Cooking up some laughs
Victoria Wood, Kayvan Novak, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles star in The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 2015
4/17 Entertaing the Audience
An Audience With Victoria Wood in 1998
5/17 Cuppa time
Victoria Wood's Nice Cup of Tea with Matt Smith at Claridge's
6/17 Laughter has no boundaries
Victoria Wood and Julie Walters in Victoria's Midlife Christmas
7/17 Old school
8/17 Award winner
Victoria Wood attends the BAFTA Television Craft Awards at The Brewery on April 27, 2014 in London
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
9/17 Proud moment
Comedian Victoria Wood with her C.B.E Investiture at Buckingham Palace
Jenny Goodall/Daily Mail
10/17 Chip off the old block
Grace Wood (daughter of) Victoria Wood attend the British Comedy Awards at Fountain Studios on December 16, 2011 in London
Stuart Wilson/Getty Images
Victoria Wood in Victoria's Empire
12/17 Dynamic Duo
Julie Walters and Victoria Wood at British Comedy Awards 2005
13/17 As Seen on TV.
Julie Walters pictured as Mrs Overall, with Duncan Preston as Clifford, Victoria Wood as Berta, and Celia Imrie as Babs in Acorn Antiques
14/17 Dinner Lady
Victoria Wood as Brenda in Dinnerladies
15/17 Silver Stand-Up
Victoria Wood in 1987
16/17 Housewife, 49
Victoria Wood as Nella Last in Housewife 49 IN 2007
17/17 Queen of the keyboard
Victoria Wood Presents Angina Monologues
The series is presented by Wood’s friend and frequent co-star Julie Walters.
“[Victoria] was an absolute power-house of creativity,” Walters recalls in a heart-warming introduction.
“A multi award-winning comedian, actress, singer, songwriter, director, stand-up, sketch writer – and she gave me some of the funniest characters I’ve ever performed.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to present this programme, a celebration of the finest work of our friend Victoria.”
As well as revisiting Wood’s iconic sketches and memorable routines, Our Friend Victoria features contributions from the people who worked with and were inspired by her.
Guests include the likes of Maxine Peake, Celia Imrie, Richard E Grant and Aisling Bea.
Whether you’ve seen these clips a hundred times or are seeing them afresh, it’s the perfect way to show off the genius talents of one of Britain’s greatest comedians.
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