Martha Ross
Born	(1939-03-24)24 March 1939
Died	14 January 2019(2019-01-14) (aged 79) Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England
Nationality	British
Occupation(s)	Actress and radio presenter
Spouse	Tony Phillips ​ (m. 1992)​
Children	6, including Jonathan and Paul

Martha Ross (24 March 1939 – 14 January 2019)^[1] was a British actress and radio presenter.

Family

Ross was the mother of television presenters Jonathan and Paul Ross. She also had three other sons named Simon, Miles and Adam, and a daughter named Liza, who works in the media.^[2][3] She married actor Tony Phillips in 1992.^[4]

Born Maureen to mother Vera, Martha went from humble beginnings in the heart of the East-End of London to discovering her ancestral connection to the world of entertainment, and inspiring her six children with her passion, determination, and a deep love for the stage and screen. Martha, was born and raised in Leyton, a vibrant neighbourhood in East London. Even as a young child, she was drawn to the enchanting world of ‘showbiz’. Martha fondly recalled the impact her aunties had on her, as they were part of the famous "Tiller girls," London's answer to the Can-Can girls of Paris. These women, with their grace, charisma, and expressive performances, introduced Martha and her imagination to the glitz, glamour, and freedom of expression that epitomize the world of ‘showbiz’.

As Martha grew older, she unraveled a hidden family secret that further solidified her connection to the entertainment industry. She discovered that her paternal grandfather, known as 'Whimsical Walker’, had been a well-known and respected variety performer during the late 1800s. His notable performances included captivating audiences with an 'Oriental Water Spectacular' at the iconic Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and mesmerising crowds during various Royal Variety Performances. This revelation, though not entirely surprising to Martha, filled her with immense excitement, as it affirmed her belief that she’d always know that ‘showbiz’ was a part of her DNA.

Martha's childhood exposure to her aunties' theatrical world paved the way for her own journey into the dazzling realm of entertainment. The Tiller Girls, a renowned dance troupe, rose to fame during the late 19th century as one of the most popular dance groups of their time. With performances at prestigious venues such as the Folies Bergère in Paris, the London Palladium, and the Blackpool Winter Gardens, the Tiller Girls left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

The Tiller Girls' fame transcended geographical boundaries. They captivated audiences not only in Europe but also on New York's famed Broadway, where they even established a dance school. These talented dancers graced countless theaters worldwide, wowing crowds with their precision, elegance, and infectious energy.

The 1940s witnessed the peak of the Tiller Girls' popularity. They mesmerized audiences during summer seasons, pantomimes, variety tours, and London's esteemed West End shows. Their charm and artistry elevated cabaret performances to new heights, solidifying their status as true icons of the entertainment industry.

Despite entering motherhood in her late teens, Martha refused to let her passion for stage and screen dim. By her early thirties, she had become a proud mother to six children, often shouldering the responsibilities of a single parent. Yet, throughout her journey, Martha's love for creativity and appreciation for ‘showbiz’ remained unwavering.

As a young mother, Martha sought unique opportunities to express her talents and earn extra income. She embarked on ventures such as recording audio books and providing compelling voice overs. Her first endeavour in this realm was an original audio book adaptation of "Lady Chatterly’s Lover", a literary work that allowed her to showcase her vocal prowess and connect to a wider audience.

Martha's love for the performing arts was evident from a young age. In her maturity, she encouraged and nurtured an interest in the stage and screen among her children. This passion was not limited to just her own pursuits, as the family often appeared in advertisements together, showcasing their talent and charming personalities alongside the beloved family dog, Prince. Martha was no stranger to the spotlight, and she knew how to harness not only her own creativity but that of her children, and bring it to the forefront.

Martha's influence and guidance had a profound impact on her children, who all went on to make successful careers in the entertainment industry. Whether it was in television and radio presenting, running independent production companies, or excelling as performers, musicians, dancers, artists, and teachers of film studies and performing arts, her children were able to find their own paths and achieve great success. Many of them became household names, both in front of and behind the camera, leaving an enduring mark on the television landscape.

Martha's legacy didn't stop with her children. Amongst her almost twenty grandchildren, the tradition of success in the entertainment and creative industries continues to this day. From actors, singers and musicians to television production, editors, animators and designers, her descendants have embraced their artistic and creative talents and made their own mark in various facets of the industry. Martha's influence can be felt not only through her children but also through the generations that followed, as she instilled a love and appreciation for the creative arts that continues to thrive.

After divorcing her first husband John in the late 1980s, Martha found love and companionship in actor, writer and, musician Tony Phillips. Marrying in 1992, together they continued to entertain and engage audiences both locally and nationally. Writing and performing sometimes ensemble they were a valuable contribution to the local theatre scene as well as the London fringe and notably as founding members of the Leytonstone Festival, an annual arts and cultural event in the East London suburb, they played a vital role in nurturing and promoting the local creative scene. Their dedication and passion for the arts not only brought joy to themselves but also to the community around them.

As the years passed, Martha decided to downsize from her beloved family home overlooking Wanstead Flats and moved to Hitchen, Hertfordshire. Here, Martha found happiness in living close to her beloved daughter Liza, son in law, and granddaughters and immersing herself in the vibrant arts and creative scene of this market town. Martha's extensive stage and screen career, along with her pivotal role in shaping the careers of her children, contributed to her rich and diverse creative journey. While her lengthy stint as an extra in EastEnders is often mentioned as one of her key achievements, it is important to remember that Martha's impact went far beyond this role. She was a truly talented, forward-thinking woman who left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Those close to Martha, often comment that her passion, talent, and unwavering support for her children and grandchildren have created a lasting impact that continues to be felt today. Martha is often credited as embracing the spotlight and using it to shape the lives of those around her. Her story reminds us that with dedication, creativity, and an open mind, anyone can leave a lasting legacy.

Career

Ross worked as an extra in EastEnders from its inception^[5] until November 2006, when her contract was terminated because she told her son Paul an EastEnders Christmas storyline, which he leaked on his LBC radio show.^[6]

She also appeared in Grange Hill, The Sean Hughes Show, Space Virgins and Barrymore, and hosted a current affairs show on Liberty Radio.^[5] Ross wrote a weekly agony aunt column for Real People magazine. She appeared in many theatre roles, including The Last Game, Atlantis, The Firm's Big Night Out and Stained Glass.^[5]

In her later years, she lived in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

References