Actress and broadcaster Kathryn Apanowicz dies aged 64 as friends say she has been ‘reunited with her beloved’ partner Richard Whiteley

Actress and broadcaster Kathryn Apanowicz has died aged 64.

Katheryn, who was the partner of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley, was reportedly suffering from a long illness.

Her death was announced on Monday as a friend paid tribute on social media. On Facebook, former ITV Calendar presenter Christa Ackroyd wrote:

‘Reunited with her beloved Richard. I will miss you so much my lovely friend. What adventures we had. The world will always be a duller place without you…’

Kathryn and Richard were in a relationship from 1994 until his death in 2005 aged 61 from heart problems.

Actress and broadcaster Kathryn Apanowicz has died aged 64 (pictured in 2009)

Katheryn, who was the partner of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley, was reportedly suffering from a long illness (pictured in 2003)

Kathryn started her television career as a child performer in Yorkshire Television’s Junior Show Time.

Throughoutb her career she starred in BBC programme Angels, before multiple appearances in soaps, including EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

In her later life she presented on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York. She also wrote a book following Richard’s death, titled Richard by Kathryn: The Life of Richard Whiteley.