Debbie Linden — Biography

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 22, 1961, Debbie Linden embarked on a career in entertainment. Her parents, Neil Linden, a cabaret performer, and Rosemary Linden, nurtured her early ambition. Debbie attended stage school, initially setting her sights on a dancing career, honing her skills in tap and ballroom to prepare for the performing arts. However, her path shifted, leading her to work as a topless model and a Page 3 girl. Linden ventured into acting in the late 1970s, appearing in both films and television programs. She gained notable recognition for her portrayal of the spirited secretary to Old Mr. Grace in the popular comedy series "Are You Being Served?", a role she revisited. Tragically, Debbie battled with anorexia and addiction to drugs and alcohol. Her struggles began at the age of thirteen when she started using diet pills to manage her weight. Debbie Linden passed away at her home on October 5, 1997, at the young age of 36, due to a fatal heroin overdose. Her partner, Russell Ainsworth, was found not guilty of manslaughter but received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for providing the drugs that led to her death.