Diane Langton, identified for her roles in Carry On and Solely Fools And Horses, has died on the age of 77.

The British cleaning soap star is understood for taking part in the pink-haired Marlena “Nana” McQueen in Hollyoaks and Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) mom Bev Williams in EastEnders, in addition to roles in Sixties-set police present Heartbeat.

Her agent Shane Collins mentioned on Wednesday: “I’m unhappy to say that Diane Langton handed away this morning.

“Diane had a wealthy and noteworthy profession, showing on stage, in movies, and on tv, together with taking part in the long-lasting Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the current day.”

Langton, additionally a West Finish star, performed jail boss Matron “Mama” Morton within the smash hit musical Chicago, Nell Dunn’s traditional comedy Steaming, the all-women present set in a Turkish baths, in addition to Jesus Christ Famous person, Cats, Follies, Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins.

West Finish star Elaine Paige, who shared the stage with Langton and had a music group, Sparrow, along with her, wrote on Instagram that she was in “complete shock”.

She added: “All of the reminiscences of our youth within the sixties musical Hair collectively come flooding again to me and I can see her now within the dressing room along with her bottle of Newcastle Brown ale – which she cherished!

“We recorded an album along with some mates referred to as Hatching Out beneath the group title Sparrow. She had a unbelievable voice! She was distinctive, a proficient artist with the perfect sense of humour. A form and particular lady who I’m proud to have referred to as my buddy.

“I’m considering of her husband Derek at this tough time and sending him my deepest condolences. RIP Pricey Diane. I’ll miss you.”

Annie Wallace, identified for taking part in Sally St Claire on Hollyoaks, mentioned on Fb she was “completely gutted” and referred to as Langton “a legend of TV and film comedy, and a West Finish musical famous person”.

She added: “It was a privilege to work along with her over time, and I cherished to sit down along with her within the dressing room listening to her tales. I can’t consider we gained’t see Nana McQueen once more. Goodnight Di.”

The official Hollyoaks X account mentioned the forged and crew have been “all completely heartbroken by the information”.

“Di has been an adored buddy and forged member in Hollyoaks for the final 18 years,” it mentioned.

“Diane graced screens as the long-lasting Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen and introduced pleasure into residing rooms; we share the disappointment with our viewers who we all know will miss the character she created.

“Those that work on the manufacturing have been fortunate sufficient to listen to in particular person the sound of her laughter, ringing by way of the corridors, and see her smile mild up a set.

“Diane was an immense expertise, with so many tales to inform from her profession as an actor, dancer, movie star and entertainer.
The forged, crew, writers and full workers at Lime Footage will miss her enormously.”

Langton performed June Snell, a former girlfriend of Sir David Jason’s Del Boy Trotter character in Solely Fools And Horses, within the Nineteen Eighties episodes Pleased Returns and A Royal Flush.

Her character was concerned in a storyline because the mom of certainly one of Rodney’s former girlfriends, who Del Boy initially thinks is his daughter.

Langton additionally appeared in comedy TV sequence Carry On Laughing and The Rag Commerce, crime exhibits Bergerac and The Invoice in addition to soaps Holby Metropolis and Medical doctors.

She additionally had roles within the comedy movies Carry On England, Carry On Trainer, The Prepare dinner, The Thief, His Spouse And Her Lover, Percy’s Progress, Say One thing, and Trial By Fight.

In Heartbeat, she performed Ruby Rowan, the feisty mom of Sergeant Nicholas “Nick” Rowan (Nick Berry).