Natalia Dontcheva, who starred as Julie Derville in the French version of ITV hit Doc Martin, has died at the age of 56 her agent has confirmed as her stepson is among those paying devastating tributes18:13, 02 Aug 2026Updated 18:13, 02 Aug 2026A Doc Martin actress has died at the age of 56. Natalia Dontcheva, who starred as Julie Derville in the French version of the hit ITV show, had been suffering from a decade-long illness prior to her death, the Bulgarian actress’ agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed.‌Her cause of death was not confirmed. Savry said in the sad statement: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Natalia Dontcheva.‌“A profoundly talented artist and woman of great sensitivity, Natalia Dontcheva touched audiences with the precision of her performances, her elegance and her dedication to her craft.‌"Throughout her career, she earned the respect of her co-stars, directors, film crews and all who had the privilege of working alongside her."Her stepson also paid a touching tribute to the actress. On Instagram, Hugo Selignac wrote: "I never liked the title ‘stepmother’ – because when we met, I was no longer a child, and I’d already had a stepmother before.‌“But you have no idea what a truly *beautiful* person I found you to be, or how deeply I loved who you were. Thank you for the bond you fought so hard to nurture within our family."Alongside an image of Natalia, he continued: "Thank you for the confidence you instilled in me by always looking at me with pride, ever since my teenage years."He went on to hint at the star's long-term illness, concluding: "After a ten-year battle, you are finally going to rest. Enjoy it to the fullest; it’s been so long since you’ve had that chance. I will miss you, my beautiful Natalia.”‌Natalia took the role in Doc Martin in 2011. She played the part of Julie Derville in the French remake and featured for four years.Following her death, co-star Tatiana Gousseff shared a touching message on Instagram. She wrote: "Natalia…. I took this photo on the port of Doëlan, in Brittany, where we were filming Doc Martin.“I always had my Argentine Nikon handy, for four seasons, I shot…until I could no longer. Oh, how we laughed! Such wonderful memories! And how I loved discovering you in the theatre later in the beautiful role of Dorothy Parker….I am speechless.”Article continues belowAs well as appearing in Doc Martin, Natalia starred in the 2015 production, Arletty A Guilty Passion. Three years later in 2018, she starred in Lady J alongside Edouard Baer and Cecile de France.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.