Vanessa Williams' mother Helen has died during a birthday trip to London to see her daughter perform in the West End

Vanessa confirmed the sad news in a statement posted on Instagram which read: "On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame.

"Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

"It's impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few.

"We will miss it all."

Her message added: "During her visit [to London] she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life."

The actress went on to add "some reflections" on Helen's "remarkable life" after working as a teacher and college professor before retiring in 1996.

The statement revealed Helen would tell her students: "Work the best you can and don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do something - ever! Make up your mind, prepare yourself, study hard, and be very, very confident."

It added that she was a "shopping devotee", loved travel and was a devoted grandmother.

As well as being mom to Vanessa, she was also mother to a son named Christopher. Her husband of 45 years, Milton, died in 2006.

Helen will be remembered at "intimate private memorial services" in January and the family has asked for donations to be given to the Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund.