ACTRESS Dulcie Gray told how she remained at the bedside of actor husband Michael Denison when he lost his battle against cancer.

Mr Denison died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, aged 82, after battling against the disease for nearly seven months.

The star enjoyed a distinguished stage and screen career, appearing in classic films such as Angels One Five, The Importance of Being Ernest and most recently Shadowlands.

The couple had been married for 59 years and known each other for 61, first meeting as struggling drama students in London. They were both CBEs.

Dulcie told the Bucks Free Press this week: "I've been an extremely lucky woman. I married the nicest man I have ever met. He was a darling - funny, good and always great company and respected by so many.

"We had a lovely life and I have millions of happy memories."

She added: "When we married we had just £36 to our name and Michael had most of it and so I married him for his money!"

Dulcie was receiving phone calls and flowers from some of Britain's greatest actors at their home at Shardeloes, near Amersham, on Wednesday. The couple had lived in the area for 35 years after moving from Regents Park.

Michael was diagnosed with liver cancer at the beginning of the year.

His last public appearance was only last Thursday when Dulcie said he pluckily drove up to London for a radio interview with theatre critic and writer Sheridan Morley.

Michael reminisced about his life and then drove home again for what was to be the last time.

"He was pretty stoic about the cancer, but was obviously very tired and in discomfort," said Dulcie, who is 77 and also had a long showbiz career.

She said he went to bed on Monday while she went to London and when she returned that evening Michael greeted her at the door with a whisky.

Soon afterwards his condition deteriorated and on Tuesday he was in a coma.

That night she stayed by his side and called a night nurse as he worsened at 2.45am. He died soon afterwards.

A large number of famous actors and film stars are expected at his funeral at St John the Baptist Church, Little Missenden, on Friday at 11.30am.

One of his great passions was cricket and he was a member of Amersham Cricket Club, beside their home. Two weeks ago the couple were delighted to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at Woodrow High House, Amersham. He was visiting the London Federation of Clubs for Young People training centre where the couple were patrons.

The couple last appeared on stage together in Curtain Up in April at the Jermyn Street Theatre, London.

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