Tributes have been paid to the Hollyoaks actress Diane Langton following her death aged 77.
Diane – who was best known for playing the iconic and incomparable Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen in the Channel 4 soap – passed away yesterday, her agent Shane Collins confirmed.
She last appeared on the show last month, when the character returned to the eponymous village with daughter Myra (Nicole Barber-Lane) in the wake of Mercedes’ (Jennifer Metcalfe) cancer diagnosis.
A statement on the show’s social media read: ‘We are all absolutely heartbroken by the news. Di has been an adored friend and cast member in Hollyoaks for the last 18 years.
‘Diane graced screens as the iconic Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen and brought joy into living rooms; we share the sadness with our audience who we know will miss the character she created.
‘Those who work on the production were lucky enough to hear in person the sound of her laughter, ringing through the corridors, and see her smile light up a set.
‘Diane was an immense talent, with so many stories to tell from her career as an actor, dancer, film star and entertainer.
‘The cast, crew, writers and entire staff at Lime Pictures will miss her enormously.’
Prior to joining the Hollyoaks cast in 2007, she starred in a number of soap roles, including a short stint as Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) mother Bev Williams in EastEnders.
She also had credits in The Bill, Doctors and Heartbeat, as well as the Carry On film and TV franchise.
Following the sad news, musical theatre legend Elaine Paige was first to pay tribute, having appeared with Diane in a production of Hair in 1968.
‘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’ she wrote on Instagram.
‘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.’
James Sutton, who plays on-screen grandson John Paul McQueen reshared a picture of them both from 2015, where he wrote at the time: ‘If I could only work with one actress for the rest of my life, it’d be this one. The most talented, sensitive, wonderful women you could ever meet. My Nana.’
He followed with a recent photograph of them on set, adding: ’18 years. My heart is so broken. Thankyou for your love, kindness, generosity, warmth, friendship, humour and care. Sleep well Nana. Your Moley x’
Annie Wallace, who departed her Sally St. Claire role last year wrote: ‘Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of the sublime Diane Langton today. A legend of TV and movie comedy, and a West End musical superstar… one of the original Rock Follies (Rock Bottom).
‘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 our Nana McQueen again. Goodnight Di.’
Actor Ross Adams, who played Scott Drinkwell wrote: ‘Devastated to hear about the passing of the truly wonderful Di Langton. She stole ever scene and it was always a treat to work with her. A lady, a legend, and a brilliant laugh. I’ll miss her.’
She added a picture of them both, saying: ‘I can’t put into words how much you meant to me or how immediately I miss you.
‘When I heard I wanted to call you straight away and tell you that our Nana McQueen has gone. I have so many videos of us but I actually can’t show them cos we’re far too naughty and I know you’d think we were in trouble with God!
‘I will miss you so much my idol, I’ll miss the giggles and all you’ve taught me!! You are and forever will be my star.’
