Victoria Wood's loss 'incalculable', says long-time friend Julie Walters

Victoria Wood's close friend, actress Julie Walters, is leading tributes to the comedian who has died aged 62, describing her loss as "incalculable".

The actress died at home with her family after a short battle with cancer.

Walters said in a statement: "Too heart sore to comment. The loss of her is incalculable."

The pair forged a lifelong friendship while auditioning at Manchester Polytechnic's student theatre as teenagers and stayed firm friends. They went on to collaborate frequently on a professional basis, most recently appearing together in December 2009 in Victoria Wood's Mid Life Christmas.