Claire Nielson, the Scottish actress who starred in a classic episode of the hit comedy show Fawlty Towers, has died at the age of 89. The star appeared alongside comedy legends John Cleese and Prunella Scales in the iconic BBC series. She played Mrs Hamilton, a glamorous guest who arrives at the chaotic Torquay hotel with her American husband in The Waldorf Salad episode, from the second series. She later said her agent had been furious that she had taken the part, worrying it would ruin her career.

However it went on to become a fan favourite episode in which the husband clashes with Basil Fawlty over a Waldorf salad – hence the title. the episode ends with a furious Basil throwing all the guests out of his hotel. Claire was already a well established star with a two decade career behind her when she shot the episode which aired in 1979.

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