Loose Women’s Denise Welch pays tribute to Josephine Melville, who played Tessa Parker in EastEnders
Loose Women’s Denise Welch has paid tribute to EastEnders actress Josephine Melville after she died backstage while performing in a play.
Paying her respects to the actress, 61, who played Tessa Parker on the soap in the 1980s, the talk show panelist, 64, tweeted: “So so sad. A wonderful actress.”
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.
EastEnders actress Josephine Melville died backstage after appearing on Nine Night at the Nottingham Playhouse on Thursday night
The Essex-born actress rose to fame as Tessa Parker in EastEnders in the 1980s
‘Very very sad. A wonderful actress,” Loose Women’s Denise Welch tweeted in honor of Josephine Melville
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.
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.”
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.’
Ms Melville’s agents, Pemberton Associates, wrote on Twitter: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of our long-time client Josephine Melville.
“Jo became ill while performing in Nine Night, a co-production with Leeds Playhouse & Nottingham Playhouse.
“We are shocked and stunned by this sad news. Our thoughts are with Jo’s family.”
