Josephine Melville has died backstage after appearing in a play.
Ex Eastenders star Josephine Melville dies backstage at the age of 61 (C) Nottingham Playhouse/Twitter
The 61-year-old actress - who is best known for playing the role of Tessa Parker on BBC soap opera 'EastEnders' in the 1980s - was starring as Aunt Maggie in a production of 'Nine Night' at the Nottingham Playhouse but was found dead shortly after a performance on Friday (20.10.22), it has been announced.
Without revealing a cause of death, Nottingham Playhouse said in a statement posted to Twitter: "We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night, in which she was performing. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones. Josephine received immediate assistance from Nottingham Playhouse first aiders and a medically qualified member of the 'Nine Night' audience. The subsequent very swift arrival of paramedics meant she was quickly and expertly treated but sadly she passed away at the scene."
'Bridgerton' star Adjoa Andoh said she was "so shocked" at the sudden passing of her fellow actor paid tribute to her as a "wonderful actress" with "amazing comic timing" as she sent her condolences to the family of the tragic star.
She tweeted: "Ach … I’m so shocked. A wonderful actress. Amazing comic timing. Part of a community of artists who understood the power of black stories. All blessings condolences to the family. Full of light, rest in your power Jo!"
Meanwhile, former 'Coronation Street' actress Andrea Davy - who was appearing in the play as Trudy alongside Josephine - claimed that the 'Nine Night' family is "lost" now that her co-star has passed.
She said: "Such a pleasure and honour to work with you Josephine. RIP. Our #NineNight family is lost without you. One Love Aunty Maggie! Trudy!" (sic)