During a long career on stage and screen, her tall and commanding disposition led to her playing mostly dowagers, spinsters and matrons, as well as intense Shakespearean roles.

[1] Born and educated in Bristol, Sanderson trained at RADA, having harboured an interest in the performing arts from a young age.

[citation needed] During the Second World War, Sanderson gained experience in repertory and toured North Africa and Italy entertaining the troops.

(1971), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), playing John Cleese's wife, and Prick Up Your Ears (1987), the film based on the life of playwright Joe Orton.

[citation needed] Following Sanderson’s death – a month before the premiere of her final series, Land of Hope and Gloria – the creators, despite originally intending to make a second season, opted not to go ahead with it.