Only Fools and Horses and Eastenders star Diane Langton has died at the age of 77.
The British soap star is best known for playing the pink-haired Marlena “Nana” McQueen in Hollyoaks and Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) mother Bev Williams in EastEnders.
Langton also starred in Only Fools and Horses, where she played June Snell, a former girlfriend of Sir David Jason’s character Del Boy Trotter.
She featured in two episodes of the iconic British sitcom in the 1980s – Happy Returns and A Royal Flush.
Langton also appeared in various other TV shows including Heartbeat, The Bill, Holby City, Carry On Laughing, Bergerac and Doctors.
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She also had roles in comedy films Carry On England; Carry On Teacher; The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover; Percy’s Progress; Say Something and Trial By Combat.
Diane Langton dies aged 77
Langton’s agent Shane Collins revealed on Wednesday (January 15) that the TV star had died aged 77.
Collins said: “I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.
“Diane had a rich and remarkable career, appearing on stage, in films, and on television, including playing the iconic Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day.”
Tributes paid to Diane Langton following her death
Tributes began flooding in following news of Langton’s death led by Hollyoaks stars and BBC Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige.
Annie Wallace, known for playing Sally St Claire on Hollyoaks, said on Facebook she was “absolutely gutted” and called Langton “a legend of TV and movie comedy, and a West End musical superstar”.
She added: “It was a privilege to work with her over the years, and I loved to sit with her in the dressing room hearing her stories. I can’t believe we won’t see Nana McQueen again. Goodnight Di.”
Langton was also a West End star, featuring in the likes of Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Follies, Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins.
Fellow West End legend and BBC Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige, who shared the stage with Langton and had a music group with her, wrote on Instagram that she was in “total shock”.
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She posted: “All the memories of our youth in the sixties musical Hair together come flooding back to me and I can see her now in the dressing room with her bottle of Newcastle Brown ale – which she loved!
“We recorded an album together with some friends called Hatching Out under the group name Sparrow. She had a fantastic voice! She was unique, a talented artist with the best sense of humour. A kind and special woman who I am proud to have called my friend.
“I am thinking of her husband Derek at this difficult time and sending him my deepest condolences. RIP Dear Diane. I will miss you.”