Legendary actress Diane Langton, best known for starring in Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 77.
The actress was best known for her role as Marlene ‘Nana’ McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, a role played intermittently since 2007.
Her agent Shane Collins confirmed the news in a statement, writing: ‘I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.’
The Somerset-born actress’ long and varied career began in 1959, when she played an uncredited school girl in the comedy film Carry On Teacher.
Diane would continue to appear throughout the cult film franchise, as Private Alice Easy in 1976’s Carry On England. She also appeared in three episodes of TV spin-off Carry On Laughing.
In 1975, she appeared as Ruby Climax in Robin Askwith’s Confessions of a Pop Performer.
A regular in the British sitcom circuit, she starred as Kathy in The Rag Trade and as June Snell, the former girlfriend of Del Boy, in Only Fools and Horses.
In the 90s, a wealth of soap roles would soon follow, firstly in an 1993 episode of The Bill.
For two years she appeared as Ruby Rowan in ITV Sunday night drama Heartbeat, before joining EastEnders as Bev Williams, the mother of established character Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
Following parts in Holby City and Doctors, she joined Hollyoaks as matriarch of the iconic McQueen clan.
The character initially appeared sporadically, popping up here and there between 2007 and 2009, before returning full time in 2012.
Nana has featured in numerous stories over the years and she was always on hand to offer support and dish out valuable life advice to her loved ones, cementing herself as one of Hollyoaks’ most-loved characters in the process.
Diane’s final scenes aired in December, with Nana staging a comeback to the eponymous village with daughter Myra (Nicole Barber-Lane) in the wake of Mercedes’ (Jennifer Metcalfe) cancer diagnosis.
Off-screen she had a number of theatre roles, having begun her career as a dancer and singer.
In London’s West End she starred in A Chorus Line, Chicago and Mary Poppins, first taking to the stage in a performance of Hair in 1968.
It was here that she met second husband Derek James, also an actor.
In 1982, she appeared in the Royal Variety Performance, singing a number from Show Boat.
Fourteen years ago she took on the role of Grandma in the London cast of Billy Elliot.
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Musical theatre star Elaine Paige has led tributes, writing on Instagram: ‘I am in total shock to hear the very sad news of Diane Langton’s passing. All the memories of our youth in the sixties musical Hair together come flooding back to me.
‘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 & special woman who I am proud to have called my friend.
‘I am thinking of her husband Derek at this difficult time & sending him my deepest condolences. RIP Dear Diane. I will miss you.’
Her soap co-star Rory Douglas-Speed, who plays Joel Dexter, wrote: ‘One of the realist women I have ever met in my life. A true angel.
‘Hollyoaks won’t be the same without you, love you Nana.’
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