Victoria Wood statue unveiled in memory of comedian | Ents & Arts News

A statue commemorating the life and work of comedian Victoria Wood has been unveiled in her home town.

The two-metre-high creation shows the actress holding a microphone and apparently enjoying the reaction of her audience.

It sits in Library Gardens in the centre of Bury, Greater Manchester.

It is also opposite the library, where Wood said she had stolen books as a child because she was too shy to ask the librarian about membership.

Wood, who was also a writer, was born in Prestwich in 1953 and attended Bury Grammar School for Girls.

She died from cancer in 2016, aged 62.

In a career spanning over 40 years Wood wrote and starred in numerous sketches, plays, films and sitcoms, including the award-winning comedy Dinnerladies, which ran from 1998-2000.

She also toured the country for years with her live comedy show, in which she showcased her famous talent for impressions, witty social observation, and for composing and performing comical songs.

She won numerous accolades for her work on stage and screen, including five Baftas, and was made a CBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The statue was created by Graham Ibbeson and commissioned by Wood’s brother Chris Foote-Wood, members of her literary estate and the town council.

There will be events during the weekend to celebrate Wood’s life and the new statue, including a performance by her Dinnerladies co-stars.