Holly Valance pays tribute to late Neighbours co-star and on-screen mother Janet Andrewartha in touching post: ‘Deeply sad’

Holly Valance has offered a heartfelt tribute to her late on-screen mother Janet Andrewartha.

The former soap opera star, 41, took to X on Monday to mourn the loss of her Neighbours co-star who died in Melbourne last Friday at the age of 72.

Holly, who played Felicity Scully on Neighbours, posted a selfie with Janet, who played her mother Lyn on the long-running show.

‘Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15,’ Holly wrote in the caption to the image. 

‘I’ll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I’m so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman. 

‘I’m so glad it was you who played my Mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend. X,’ Valance concluded.

Jane passed away peacefully on Friday in Melbourne with her daughters Eloise and Sarah by her side. 

Her death was announced on Sunday, with the soap series sharing a touching tribute to Instagram.   

‘Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15,’ Holly wrote in the caption to her post

‘Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,’ the post read.

‘Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be remembered for her wide body of work, which includes her memorable turn as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.’

The post went on to share some heartbreaking words by one of Janet’s closest friends and Neighbours co-star Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy.

‘I’m so glad it was you who played my Mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend. X,’ Valance wrote. Pictured: Valance as Felicity Scully

‘Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman,’ she wrote.

‘Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun. To me she was a steadfast friend for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.’

Janet starred in the Channel Ten show from 1999 until 2006, and reprised her iconic role several times right up until 2019. 

All up she starred in over 699 episodes of the long-running beloved series.

The actress appeared in several other television shows throughout her decades-long career, including brief appearances in Blue Heelers and A Country Practice.