I first worked with Lena when I sang a duet with her (Somethins’ Gotta’ Give) when she toured South Africa in the early 70’s and I subsequently worked with her in 1977 on the LWT series ‘Hi Summer.’ I never really got to know the shy, giggly girl that she was but I always admired her talent and her professional approach to her work.

For me the hallmark of a top artiste is that they make what they do look easy (when we all know it isn’t) and Lena was one such performer. A natural, if you like.

However the aspect that most appealed to me about Lena was that she was a totally unspoilt, nice person. We didn’t work together after 1977 but I followed her career with interest in the ensuing years and I was truly saddened to hear that she’d lost her fight against the terrible disease that is anorexia.

Had Lena lived (and had the desire to continue in the business) who knows which way her career might have gone (or the further heights she might have reached) but I do know that Lena was a shining, unique talent with a good soul. May she rest in peace.

Lena and David