[See image gallery at www.thesugargirls.com] It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our friend and first ever Sugar Girl, Gladys Hudgell, who has passed away at the age of 88.

Gladys was a true one-off, outspoken, irreverent and irrepressible. Her many pranks and run-ins with manageress Flo Smith were legendary at Plaistow Wharf, and the friendships she made at the factory lasted her whole life.

Gladys always said she wanted to be famous, and with her starring role in The Sugar Girls she got a taste of fame, storming Woman’s Hour, Midweek and the Robert Elms Show with her friend Eva, as well as featuring in the national press.

In recent years, following a heart attack and a hip replacement, Gladys was unable to get out and about as much, and had talked about wanting to go. She passed away peacefully in her sleep early on Saturday morning, while staying at her son’s house.

Glad, you are unforgettable. We will love and remember you always.