Most famous as a North Country gossip with a silent, sullen companion named Cynthia, Hylda Baker was a comedy favourite for over 40 years. Baker trod the boards throughout her life and had a successful career across film, TV, radio and in variety theatres across the land. Nowadays, she's seen as a cult figure and is often quoted by today's female comedians as an influence and a trailblazer.

Barbara looks at the two sides of her character - the public face of the comedy great and the often troubled lonely life of a single woman in her later years.