Doc Martin star Natalia Dontcheva dead at 56 after long illness as heartbreaking tributes for ‘elegant’ actress pour in

DOC Martin star Natalia Dontcheva has died aged 56 after a decade-long battle with illness. The Bulgarian actress’ agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed her death but did not disclose any further details. Doc Martin star Natalia Dontcheva has died aged 56 Credit: Getty The Bulgarian actress has been remembered as a ‘beautiful person’ who was a ‘privilege’ to work with Credit: Alamy Announcing her passing in a statement, he wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Natalia Dontcheva. “A profoundly talented artist and woman of great sensitivity, Natalia Dontcheva touched audiences with the precision of her performances, her elegance and her dedication to her craft.” Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! “Throughout her career, she earned the respect of her co-stars, directors, film crews and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.” Natalia’s stepson, Hugo Selignac, paid a touching tribute to her on Instagram alongside a pic of the late star. He wrote: “I never liked the title ‘stepmother’ – because when we met, I was no longer a child, and I’d already had a stepmother before. “But you have no idea what a truly *beautiful* person I found you to be, or how deeply I loved who you were.” “Thank you for the bond you fought so hard to nurture within our family. “Thank you for the confidence you instilled in me by always looking at me with pride, ever since my teenage years Most read in Showbiz Natalia wither director Arnaud Selignac, who was her partner for 25 years Credit: Getty “After a ten-year battle, you are finally going to rest. Enjoy it to the fullest; it’s been so long since you’ve had that chance. “I will miss you, my beautiful Natalia.” Hugo’s dad is director Arnaud Selignac, who was Natalia’s partner of 25 years. Natalia was born in Sofia on December 31, 1969, to actor Plamen Donchev. She set her sights on a career in medicine or international relations, but was offered a role in a Bulgarian film by her dad’s friend. In 1989, she moved to France, her mum’s country, and joined a Parisian acting conservatory. There, she established herself as a stage actor in the 1990s, before finding success in TV and film at the turn of the century. Her defining role came in 2011, where she played recurring character Julie Derville in the French remake of Doc Martin for four years. Co-star Tatiana Gousseff also paid her respects on Instagram: “Natalia…. I took this photo on the port of Doëlan, in Brittany, where we were filming Doc Martin. “I always had my Argentine Nikon handy, for four seasons, I shot…until I could no longer. “Oh, how we laughed! Such wonderful memories! And how I loved discovering you in the theatre later in the beautiful role of Dorothy Parker….I am speechless.” Star actress Christine Citti also remembered her former colleague, writing: “The very beautiful and talented Natalia has left this afternoon. “Such a beautiful, funny, strong, loving, worthy person… I’m lost for words. I respected her. “Natalia knew how to do everything: sew, build, plant, share, play, love, and invent.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now