EastEnders star Josephine Melville, who played Tessa Parker in the 1980s, dies backstage after appearing in a play
Josephine Melville has died suddenly behind the scenes at the Nottingham Playhouse
The EastEnders actress had appeared as Aunt Maggy on Nine Night
Paramedics and a medically qualified spectator were on site
All other performances of Nine Night were canceled out of respect
EastEnders actress Josephine Melville has died backstage after appearing in a play.
Nottingham Playhouse said the actress died on Thursday after appearing in the production Nine Night.
Paramedics and a medically qualified spectator attempted to treat the actress, but she tragically died backstage.
Theater staff were shocked after the sudden death.
Melville had appeared in the stage production as Aunt Maggie.
The Essex-born actress rose to fame as Tessa Parker in EastEnders in the 1980s.
She has also appeared on The Bill and Casualty and in a number of theater roles. Earlier this year, she starred in the video for Ella Henderson’s single Brave.
A statement from Nottingham Playhouse said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that actress Josephine Melville passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse last night following the performance of the play in which she appeared.
“Josephine’s family has been informed and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them.”
In light of the death, the theater company has decided to cancel all performances of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse.
Nottingham Playhouse Chief Executive Stephanie Sirr said: “We send our love and condolences to Jo’s family and friends.
“On a deeply tragic and extremely difficult evening, we would like to pay tribute to the company of Nine Night and the entire Nottingham Playhouse team for handling the situation with empathy and professionalism.”
Loose Women panelist Denise Welch, 64, paid tribute to the “wonderful actress” and added that the news was “so, so sad”.
Actress Andrea Davy, who played Trudy in the theater production, said: “It is a great pleasure and honor to work with you Josephine. REST IN PEACE.
“Our family of nine nights is lost without you. Dear Aunt Maggie! Trudy.’
Actress Adjoah Andoh, 59, who has appeared in EastEnders over the years, wrote: “Oh… 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 and condolences to the family. Full of light, rest in your power, Jo.’
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