The British actress Emma Chambers – known for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and Notting Hill – has died aged 53.

Her agency confirmed the news this afternoon, in a statement that said she had died from natural causes.

From 1994 to 2007, Chambers played the role of Alice Tinker in The Vicar of Dibley, starring alongside Dawn French in all 20 episodes.

Although she took part in four Comic Relief episodes of the popular show until 2007, she did not appear in the two most recent ones, in 2013 and 2015.

In 1998 she appeared as Honey, the little sister of Hugh Grant’s character Will, in Notting Hill.

She is married to fellow actor Ian Dunn.

Her agent John Grant said the actress would be “greatly missed”.

He added: “We are very sad to announce the untimely death, from natural causes, of the acclaimed actress, Emma Chambers.

“Over the years, Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work.

“She brought laughter and joy to many, and will be greatly missed.

“At this difficult time we ask that the privacy of the family and loved ones be respected.”