2016 has seen some of our most beloved entertainers sadly pass away including Alan Rickman and David Bowie. Now this week a real comedy hero of mine has joined that every growing list. The wonderfully funny and talented Victoria Wood lost her battle with Cancer at only 62-years-old.

Her death has left millions of people mourning such a sad loss. Growing up in the 80s and 90s Victoria Wood was at the top of her game. I'm sure you’ll agree was no mean feat for a woman in the predominantly man's world of comedy at that time. She was pioneer, infectious, endearing and managed to capture the humour and hilarity in everyday life. She was never afraid to poke fun at herself, we all remember her hilarious fitness instructor and her Fatitude work out.

I adored her and I especially loved her story. It all started back in 1974 when she herself entered the TV talent show New Faces and went on to win that year. This was the golden age of talent shows with other famous names starting their careers off in this very way like Lenny Henry, Joe Pasquale and our very own Andy Cameron.

She used this life changing experience as a fantastic platform to launch a career and by the 1980s she was dominating TV with her own show Victoria Wood As Seen On TV alongside her dear friends and some of the countries finest actors including Julie Walters and Celia Imrie.

The list of Victoria's credits and achievements is endless from Acorn Antiques to Dinnerladies. From Baftas to British Comedy Awards this lady has done it all but perhaps it's for her comedy musical numbers that I will love and remember her most for. The Ballad of Barry and Freda never fails to put a huge smile on my face and constantly reminds me that I really need to buy myself a hostess trolley and pick up the latest copy of Women’s Weekly.

Thank you Victoria Wood for entertaining us all so fabulously for the past four decades. You were a shining star, a trailblazer for female entertainers all over the world and a true national treasure. I'm sure there will never be another like you and we will remember you so very fondly, always.

There is a famous Victoria Wood quote that her family shared on social media and I think it's just perfect - “Life's just not fair is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597” Victoria Wood 1953-2016

Next month Michelle McManus’ Reality: The Musical kicks off its 2016 tour of Scotland at the East Kilbride Arts Centre on Thursday May 19 then it's off to Eden Court in Inverness on Saturday May 28. This is the original show in my one woman series which sold out two years in a row at the Edinburgh Festival and has received five star reviews across the board.

It's a great wee show in which I tell tales from past 13 years of my life through the eyes of my alter ego while belting out songs from the world's most famous musicals. It's a comedy show where my tongue is firmly in my cheek and a great night out to boot. It's the last time I’ll be touring this particularly show so if you haven't seen it yet this is truly your last chance. For more information log onto https://www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk and https://www.eden-court.co.uk

Happy 60th Birthday to the best man I've ever known. My wee Dad having survived living in a house with six women for the past 36 years turns 60 today. John McManus you are a living legend. Not only are you the best Dad and Granda in the world but you are a pillar of your community in Garrowhill and Baillieston having been St Bridget's Primary School Football Teams answer to Sir Alex Ferguson for over 25 years. Everyone who knows you loves you and all of your girls are the women they are today because of your kindness, generosity and understanding. I feel beyond lucky everyday to call you my Dad and here's to a great weekend of celebrations. From all of your wee McManiacs, Happy Birthday xxx