Neighbours star Janet Andrewartha has died aged 72

Neighbours legend Janet Andrewartha has died at the age of 72.

The star played Lyn Scully in the beloved Australian soap for around 20 years from 1999.

Her hairdresser character on the TV series was of course the mother of Stephanie (Carla Bonner), Felicity (Holly Valance), and Michelle (Kate Keltie), and was married to Joe (Shane Connor).

The Neighbours official account shared a statement on Instagram: “Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha.

"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.

She played Lyn for around 20 years. (Grundy/Pearson TV)

"Janet had many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne, who shared the following words: 'Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman. 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.'

"Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time."

Underneath the post, Stefan Dennis, known for playing mean businessman Paul Robinson in Neighbours, wrote: “So very upset to lose the lovely Janet.

“As Jackie said, she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure work with and to be around. We will all miss you dear girl.”

Tributes have come flooding in (FreeMantle Media Australia)

Prisoner and Neighbours star Colette Mann said she was 'shocked to hear this news'.

She added: “I can only echo Jackie’s words about Janet … brilliant, crazy in the best way, a good friend and great colleague.”

In another post today (28 July), former Neighbours casting director deescribed Andrewartha as a 'beautiful, talented and superb actor and human being'.

“I had cast Janet in the role of Reb Kean in Prisoner having been a fan of her work and confident she would take in that role and make it her own,” she wrote.

“[I] also cast her as Lyn Scully in Neighbours where once again she excelled in her role. Of course her theatre successes were also superb and many theatre goers will remember her work at the MTC.”