Hollyoaks and EastEnders star dies aged 77 as tributes pour in for soap icon

Hollyoaks legend Diane Langton has died at the age of 77.

The beloved soap star was best known for playing Nana McQueen in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks for 18 years. She was also famed for her roles in EastEnders and Only Fools and Horses. Her death came just a day before the passing of fellow Hollyoaks legend Paul Danan, who was 46.

Her agent, Shane Collins, announced her passing on Wednesday (January 15) in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Itread: "Very sad News , 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 Mqueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day. Diane trained at the Corona Academy and started her professional career as a dancer, touring with ballet companies throughout Europe, followed by appearances on That Was the Week That Was and The London Palladium."

Langton's career on the screen began in 1959 when she appeared as a schoolgirl in Carry On Teacher. She went on to appear in Carry On Laughing (1975), the TV spin-off of the film series, and in the film Carry On England (1976), where she played Private Alice Easy.

She famously played June Snell, the girlfriend of Del Boy (Sir David Jason) in the BBC's legendary sitcom Only Fools and Horses. She appeared in two episodes of the show in the 1980s.

Diane appeared as Bev Williams in EastEnders from 1998 until 1999. She later appeared in Holby City and Doctors before joining Hollyoaks as Nana McQueen in 2007.She initially left the soap in 2009 but returned in 2012, staying for over a decade before leaving in 2023 and returning again this year.

Tributes have flown in for the soap icon. Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "In total shock at Diane Langton's passing. Memories of us in Hair flooding back.

"Her in the dressing room with a bottle of brown ale! We also recorded an LP 'Sparrow.' She was a unique, talented artist. A funny, kind & special friend. My thoughts with husband Derek. RIP Diane".

One fan commented: "In absolute total shock at Diane Langton's passing. A very talented actress but forever remembered as 'Juney' in #OFAH. God Bless RIP Xx" Another simply wrote: "rip diane langton (nana mcqueen) [broken heart emoji]".