Sarah Fisher, partner of actor Anthony Head, has died aged 61 and her daughters Emily Head and Daisy Head have led tributes to the animal welfare campaigner

Emily Head, known for her role in The Inbetweeners and Emmerdale, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her “extraordinary mum” Sarah Fisher, who sadly passed away recently.

Sarah, an animal welfare advocate, died unexpectedly at the age of 61, leaving Emily and her sister Daisy devastated. Sarah’s compassionate nature is being fondly remembered in tributes shared on social media, including one from Tilley Farm, a 90-acre property in Somerset that she managed.

In a joint statement with her sister Daisy, Emily, who portrayed Carli D’Amato in The Inbetweeners and Rebecca White in Emmerdale, expressed: “We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently. It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning.

“No words could ever express all that she encompassed, or begin to describe the crater her absence has left. We know how profoundly she has impacted the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.”

Daisy, aged 34, is also an actress, featuring in dramas such as Guilt, The Syndicate and Harlots since 2002. She is set to appear in the upcoming period drama The Gray House, which will premiere on Prime Video in February, reports the Mirror.

The sisters’ poignant tribute concluded: “We only wish she’d had more time to share her knowledge and brilliance with us, and the world. Our grief knows no bounds, nor did the reaches of her incredibly unique and irreplaceable spirit.

“We know how much she treasured the relationships she had with all of her friends, colleagues and collaborators, many of whom she stayed in contact with here, and we thank you all for being a part of her enriched life.”

Sarah, who was born in Epsom, Surrey, met actor Anthony Head in the 80s and the couple had daughters Daisy and Emily together. The passionate animal welfare campaigner served as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and held the position of patron at Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.

Peter Laurie, chief executive at Battersea, expressed: “We’re truly sorry to lose our beloved friend and ambassador, Sarah Fisher, and send our deepest sympathies to Sarah’s partner Anthony and her family and friends.

“A devoted supporter for many years, Sarah, alongside her partner Anthony Head, gave so much to our charity, fostering dogs, using her canine behaviour expertise to train our staff and volunteers, and attending many of our events and fundraisers. She will be dearly missed by all of us at Battersea.”

Anthony, known for his roles in Ted Lasso, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Little Britain, has yet to make any public statement regarding his loss. He championed Sarah’s advocacy efforts, including her work with Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in Bristol.

Pauline Leeson, who founded the sanctuary, offered her condolences in a tribute posted to their website, stating: “It came as a shock to hear that the wonderful Sarah Fisher, patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and advocate for all animals had passed away, and our hearts go out to Anthony, Daisy and family.

“Sarah was always a voice for those dear souls who have no voice, and was the most genuine, caring and compassionate human being.

“Sarah will be a huge loss to the animal kingdom she worked so tirelessly for, helping so very many animals of all species to find their way to cope and be happy in this changing world.

“We at Holly Hedge are so proud to have known Sarah. Her memory will live on in all the good work and positive change she has made to their lives. RIP Sarah, you will never be forgotten, and will be remembered with much love for all her outstanding work.”