Heather Alexander, an original member of the BBC's iconic dance troupe Hot Gossip and a stage actress, has died following a short illness. She was 66.
Career with Hot Gossip
Alexander was part of the provocative dance group choreographed by Arlene Phillips, who later became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Hot Gossip, known for their fast and daring routines in Lycra and lingerie-style outfits, were once deemed 'too sexy for TV' by moral campaigners. The troupe gained a weekly slot on The Kenny Everett Video Show in 1978 on ITV and continued when the show moved to the BBC in 1981. They also performed live on Top of the Pops.
Acting and Other Work
Beyond Hot Gossip, Alexander had a successful acting career. She starred alongside Sir David Jason in the West End production of Look, No Hans! in 1985 and appeared in the ITV police drama Dempsey and Makepeace. She left Hot Gossip in 1981, the same year the group reached No. 6 in the UK charts with 'I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper,' featuring Sarah Brightman.
Tributes and Legacy
Her death was announced by theatrical agency Goldmans Management on Instagram, which stated: 'It is with much sadness that we bring you the news that our wonderful client Heather Alexander passed away last weekend following a short illness. Heather was a fighter to the end and lived her life to the full, not letting on how poorly she was. In the last year she was still fully committed to her wonderful one woman shows, getting 5 star reviews and making plans for their future runs.'
The agency added: 'Heather had a wonderful and varied career, from strutting her stuff with Hot Gossip on the BBC, performing alongside household names on the West End in plays and most recently creating her own works such as Havisham and Becoming Mrs Danvers. She had an infectious energy and a huge sense of fun, we will miss her very much.'
In 2015, Alexander founded the annual Hastings Fringe Festival, which supports emerging theatre talent and celebrates social diversity.
