Beloved Singer and actress Sheila Bernette has died at the age of 94, a close friend has confirmed, as reported by The Daily Mail. Bernette enjoyed a long and varied career in British entertainment, becoming best known for her many appearances on the BBC’s beloved music hall series “The Good Old Days.”
Born Sheila Poncini in London on March 30, 1931, Bernette grew up in a family of Italian descent. For decades, she appeared on television, in film, and in live performance, bringing warmth, humor, and a natural stage presence to her work. She appeared regularly on “The Good Old Days” from 1968 to 1983, bringing Victorian and Edwardian-style songs and sketches to life for a new generation of viewers.
Remembered by Friends for Humor and Kindness
Actor Peter Kosta announced Bernette’s passing on Monday, January 12, calling her a cherished friend who brought “just fun and laughter” into his life.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Kosta, 77, first met Bernette while working in the theatre with Sir David Jason, the actor known for his role in “Only Fools and Horses.“
Kosta shared a personal story with the Press Association, recalling how he had been looking for a place to stay, and she offered him a spare room in her home, saying, “Well, if you’re clean, I have a spare room in my house.”
He spoke highly of her loyalty and support throughout his career, mentioning that she always encouraged him and attended his events whenever she could.
“She always supported me in everything that I wanted to do, and always came to see me in everything I did, whenever she could. I have extremely fond memories of her,” he said.
Kosta also reflected on a visit he made to Bernette shortly before her death. “I saw her for nearly two hours, and we were talking about the good old days,” he shared. He described her as “very funny” and “very feisty.”
Tributes From the Theatre Community
The Daily Mail reported that the Royal Variety Charity paid tribute to Bernette in a statement, honoring her lasting impact on British entertainment. “Sheila will be very much missed by many of those who worked with her and those from the wider theatrical family,” the charity said.
From Film and Comedy Classics to Children’s Television
GettyBernette also appeared in the 1961 romance film “Ticket To Paradise” as Clarice, and later in the 1971 comedy anthology “The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins” as Mrs. Spencer.
Her television credits included appearances alongside comedy legends such as Dick Emery, Leslie Crowther, and Morecambe and Wise. She was also among the original practical jokers on the UK version of “Candid Camera.”
In 1970, Bernette took part in the Royal Variety Performance, where Crowther introduced her as Russian defector ballerina Natalia Nokemova performing “The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy.”
She also worked as a singer on the BBC’s “The Black And White Minstrel Show” from 1967 to 1969.
Later generations may remember her as Mrs Poshington, the hotel guest who never leaves, on the CBBC sitcom “Hotel Trubble,” where she appeared from 2008 to 2011.
Bernette also made appearances in “Coronation Street,” “The Morecambe And Wise Show,” “The Dick Emery Show,” “The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin,” “Cooper,” “Just Like That,” starring Tommy Cooper, and “The Little and Large Show.”
Her later film roles included “Three For All,” “Car Trouble,” and “Driving Aphrodite,” released in 2009, which marked her final film appearance.
She sounds like she was a wonderful woman and actress. I am sorry that I never had the honor of seeing any of her performances. More so, sorry to hear of her passing. May she Rest in Peace.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Jane McMillin
1-12-2026
RIP Shelia🙏 her summer season in Paignton with Leslie Crowther moons ago was fun. We stayed in touch over the years. Last time we had fish and chips at The Golden Hind, Marylebone.