Veteran actress Diane Langton, best known for her role as Nana McQueen in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, has passed away at the age of 77. With a career spanning six decades, Langton appeared in numerous iconic British shows, including EastEnders and Only Fools and Horses.
Her agent, Shane Collins, confirmed the news of her passing, stating, “I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.”
Born in Somerset, Langton began her acting career in 1959 with a minor role in the Carry On film Carry On Teacher as a schoolgirl.
She went on to feature in various TV shows, including the Carry On Laughing series, before landing recurring roles in popular comedies and dramas.
In the 1980s, she played June Snell in two episodes of Only Fools And Horses, starring alongside Sir David Jason’s Del Boy Trotter as his on-screen girlfriend. The following decade, she appeared as Bev Williams in BBC soap EastEnders.
Langton joined the Hollyoaks cast in 2007, playing Nana McQueen, a member of the show’s beloved McQueen family. Her initial stint lasted until 2009, and she later returned to the role in 2012, reports the Mirror.
Diane Langton, the cherished actress who graced Hollyoaks as Nana McQueen from 2007 up to her regrettable passing, is being remembered for an illustrious career that spanned stage, film, and television.
Diane played Del Boy’s girlfriend June Snell in Only Fools and Horses in the 1980s
(Image: BBC)
She left the soap again in 2023 only to return this year – and she continued to star in the series up to her death. Championing her incredible career, agent Shane Collins commented: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Singer, actress and BBC radio host Elaine Page was among the first to share her sadness over Diane’s passing. She took to X on Wednesday to share her grief.
She wrote in an emotional post: “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 and special friend. My thoughts with husband Derek. RIP Diane.”
Hollyoaks fans have also been shaken by the sad news – and taken to social media to pay tribute. One fan wrote via X: “R.I.P to the beautiful Diane Langton!!! Thank you for being our Oaks queen!”