Diane Langton, known for roles in Hollyoaks and Only Fools And Horses, passes away at age 77 as tributes are shared

Former Hollyoaks and Only Fools And Horses star Diane Langton has died aged 77, sources confirmed on Wednesday. 

The beloved actress, known for her work in TV and movies for over sixty years, died shortly after making her third return to the show Hollyoaks. The cause of death has not been confirmed yet.

Issuing a statement on Wednesday afternoon, her agent said:’ I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.

‘Diane had a successful and diverse career, appearing on stage, in films, and on television. She portrayed the iconic character Nana McQueen on Hollyoaks from 2007 until recently.

She was a graduate of the Corona Academy and began her professional journey as a dancer. Diane toured with ballet troupes across Europe and later made appearances on That Was the Week That Was and The London Palladium.

Langton enjoyed a prolific career before endearing herself to a younger generation of fans as Nana in Channel 4 teen soap Hollyoaks. 

The actress made her first appearance as the brash, pink-rinsed matriarch in 2007, enjoying a two year spell on the show before leaving in 2009. 

She eventually reprised her role  in 2012, before leaving for a second time in 2023, only to return in 2024.

Langton famously played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter’s love interest June Snell in two episodes of iconic BBC sitcom Only Fools And Horses in 1985 and ’86. 

Born in Somerset, the actress began her career as a dancer before cutting her teeth as an actress on stage and screen. 

She won her film debut alongside British acting greats Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Williams in 1959 classic Carry On Teacher, with an uncredited role as a schoolgirl. 

More prominent roles would come in British comedy Percy’s Progress, popular sitcom The Rag Trade and sex-farce Confessions Of A Pop Performer as she established herself throughout the 1970s. 

Langton would also return to the Carry On franchise with roles in 1975 release Carry On Laughing, and Carry On England – released in 1976. 

Other memorable TV appearances included six episodes of long-running ITV drama Heartbeat, in which she played Ruby Rowan, and EastEnders.

Fans of the BBC soap will remember Langton as Bev Williams – Cindy Beale’s mother – between 1998 and ’99.

Actress Elaine Paige was among those paying tribute to Langton on X today, having previously worked with her on the stage.

She wrote: ‘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 [called] Sparrow.

‘She was a unique, talented artist. A funny, kind and special friend. My thoughts with husband, Derek.’

The Only Fools And Horses X page penned their tribute, saying: ‘We are very sad to learn that actress Diane Langton, who played June Snell in Only Fools and Horses, has died. She was 77. Our thoughts are with her husband Derek and her family and friends.’

Fans also penned kind messages with one saying: ‘Gutted to hear of the passing of Diane Langton. Hollyoaks won’t be quite the same without the absolute one off that is Nana McQueen.’

Another wrote: ‘I can’t believe Diane Langton has died. Nana McQueen will forever be one of my favourite characters. Thank you for years of sass and laughter! #Hollyoaks.’

A third said: ‘I am fully heartbroken. Diane Langton you brought me so much joy, she made me smile so many times over the years and she will always remain a legend. This is truly devastating. RIP.’

Langton also enjoyed a lengthy stage career that included numerous West End roles, among them Hair, Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar and Mary Poppins. 

Discussing her role in A Chorus Line with Broadway Buzz in 2011, she said: ‘The original Broadway company came and did six months, and I took over straight away as Morales, singing Nothing and What I Did For Love.

‘At the time, they hadn’t cast Morales because they couldn’t find someone who could sing those numbers and dance, as well, and I auditioned and auditioned. 

‘They asked me to lose weight, which I did -a lot! I had to lose four stone (56 pounds). I did a year in A Chorus Line and then I left to do a TV show and came back to do the last six months. 

‘They asked me to return and I said, ‘Are you kidding?’ I’d have taken their arm off to do it! I loved the show so, so much.’ 

Reflecting on her lifelong passion for theatre, she added: ‘I’m compulsed! I know there’s no such word, but that describes what I am. 

‘My son says to me, ‘Why don’t you retire?’ and I say, ‘To what?’ I would go insane. When I don’t work, I’m a nightmare after two weeks.’