I’VE interviewed many famous people over the years – politicians, actors, singers, sports stars, comedians, several of them household names.

Each interview has been memorable in its own right, but few have made an impression on me the way Fenella Fielding did.

There was just something different about her – the way she spoke, how she conducted herself and her warm, friendly manner.

I interviewed Fenella, who died on Tuesday aged 90, in June – a few days before she was due to appear on stage in Darlington to read extracts from her memoir, titled ‘Do You Mind If I Smoke?’

Her career spanned seven decades and covered a variety of roles, from classical stage plays and film and television dramas, to voiceover work, revues and several appearances on the Morecambe and Wise Show.

But she is best remembered for her role as the wickedly vampish Valeria Watts, opposite Kenneth Williams in Carry On Screaming.

A line from the film – a Hammer Horror pastiche – provided the title for her memoir. She delivered it on the screen in the velvety voice which became something of a trademark and which had lost little of its power when I spoke to her, despite her advancing years.

Courteous to a tee, Fenella’s thoughtful responses to my questions were peppered with quaint phrases such as “you’re such a dear”, “charm itself”, “rather nice” and “jolly pleased” – like someone from another era.

She was effortlessly charming and eager to please – almost as if she was grateful to me for agreeing to speak to her, rather than the other way around

As a result, I had been looking forward to seeing her in Darlington, where I had planned to ask her so sign my copy of her book – but, sadly, ill health forced her to postpone.

It was to have been the second time she had visited the town’s Forum Music Centre, having attended a screening of, Carry On Screaming in 2015, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Whatever qualities she had that made such an impression on me were evident that night as she entertained and amused a packed house, staying until late to chat and sign autographs.

Her personality also affected James Watson – Darlington Film Club founder, who was host and interviewer that evening.

James, who established the film club in 2011, says he was “ecstatic” when Fenella agreed to take part, having been a fan of hers for years.

“I grew up watching Carry On films with my family and loved the double entendres,” he says.

“When I saw Carry On Screaming it blew me away and to this day is still my favourite Carry On film. Being a Hammer Horror fan, it ticked all the boxes.

“Alongside comedy legends Kenneth Williams and Harry H Corbett was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen – Fenella Fielding. The voice, the voluptuous figure, she became my pin up.”

And he wasn’t disappointed when he finally got to meet her.

“When she arrived, she oozed stardom and there was an air of pure class all around her,” he says.

“The tickets had sold out and The Forum was heaving and the screening, of course, went down extremely well.

“Then I introduced Fenella onto the stage and the place went mad for her. I was so nervous and asked my first question to get the Q&A on the way, I asked ‘Who was the best to work with, Kenneth Williams or Sid James’?

‘Well my dear, it would have to be Kenneth Williams as I never worked with Sidney’. The Forum was in hysterics, I could have literally sunk into the stage but she was so relaxed and made me feel at ease that I laughed at myself and just carried on.

“She met nearly every single person after and was an absolute star.

“As a kid, I couldn’t have dreamed that I would be interviewing any film stars as an adult but to have met and interviewed Fenella Fielding was a dream come true.”

James had hoped to arrange a new date for Fenella to read from her memoir, but two weeks ago she suffered a stroke from which she never recovered.

But even in her final days, Fenella was able to maintain the style and dignity for which she had become known.

A message announcing her death from friend and collaborator Simon McKay reads: “During that time, she has been very comfortable and always looked tranquil and divine. And always wearing her eyelashes!

“Miss Fielding was an incredible talent. That voice! A unique woman, much loved by family, friends and fans. She will be missed tremendously.”