Although I didn't see Maria all that often, she was always so generous with her time, and huge fun to be with. She knew everybody, so not only in the UK but also in the US I would hear her name spoken with respect, and also with great warmth. Recently I was sent a contract by a US company, and told them I would just run it by Maria. 'Don't bother' they said, 'she drafted it!' All thoughts with Maria's family who she spoke about so much with great pride - a real star, taken too soon.