Her three Cromwell books were absolutely brilliant. Not just rightly double Booker winners but amongst my favourite all time novels (though I liked the third less than the first two). I actually won £700 on her Booker triumphs and was able to tell her so at a preview of the RSC stage show, standing next to her and her husband in the queue outside (there was a bomb scare).

Oh bloody hell...just learned this coming in here...

RIP indeed; not just the incredible Cromwell series but I have enjoyed all her work immensely over the years.

I remember, ages ago, two top national newspaper hacks told me they got more news stories from here than they did from the BBC.

She was only 70. But has always been in difficult health.

As we stood chatting outside the theatre waiting to be let in (to see a Preview of Wolf Hall on stage) I berated her for not getting on with Book Three that we were all desperate for. She giggled. "Don't you realise the agony we are all suffering - waiting?" I said (only partly joking). Wolf Hall was jaw droppingly brilliant (I failed to read all 5 other Booker finalists that year because I was savouring Wolf Hall so much, taking my time). I loved Bodies even more and plumped £100 on it at 7-1 (nobody EVER won the Booker with a follow up). Sadly I felt the third book was far too long and desperately required editing but I still enjoyed it especially - luckily - the last 100 pages; thus leaving the trilogy on a suitable high.

Sensational writing. So delighted I got to meet her.