The actress who was famous for her role as Charlie Bucket’s mother in 1971's 'Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory' has passed away aged 88 years old.

Sowle was the last surviving adult star of the classic Roald Dahl adaptation following the death of Gene Wilder in 2016. Her agent said in a statement: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of beloved friend, family member and actress Diana Sowle at the age of 88.

"Diana passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, October 19, with family by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be dearly missed."

Below is a pic of Diana taken in 2014 with Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket.

The statement also reads that for 23 years Sowle ran a free tutoring programme for underprivileged children in Washington DC, where she resided.

As well as 'Willy Wonka', Sowle frequently appeared as the character Mrs Schubert in 'Shear Madness', one the world’s longest running non-musical plays which next year will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Other screen roles include films 'Clear And Present Danger', and 'Guarding Tess'.