Diane Langton, known to many as Nana McQueen from Hollyoaks, once had a role in the iconic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses.
Only Fools aired from 1981 to 2003. Throughout its run, Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter (portrayed by David Jason) had numerous love interests before finally settling down with Raquel Turner (Tessa Peake-Jones).
One of these former flames was June Snell, an ex-girlfriend who reappeared in Del’s life during the 1985 episode Happy Returns.
In this episode, Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) finds himself falling for a local newsagent worker named Debbie. In a surprising turn of events, Del Boy saves a young lad from being hit by a car, only to later find out that the boy is running away from home after getting into trouble for deflating the tyres on the Trotters’ Reliant Robin.
(Image: Channel 4)
In an attempt to assist the boy, Del takes him home and is surprised when he realises the boy’s mother is his old flame, June Snell.
Upon discovering that June has a 19-year-old daughter named Debbie, Del jumps to the conclusion that he must be her father and warns Rodney to stay away from her, thinking they are related, reports the Mirror.
However, June reveals that Debbie’s actual father is Albie Littlewood, one of Del’s old mates who tragically died after taking a shortcut across a railway line. Following this revelation, Del and June part ways once again.
(Image: BBC)
However, in the 1986 Christmas special A Royal Flush, June makes a surprise appearance. As Rodney tries to charm Lady Victoria Marsham Hales (Sarah Duncan), Del unexpectedly turns up at the opera with June as his date.
Del and June were seen behaving rather immaturely, causing disruptions during the performances and annoying other audience members.
This marked the last appearance of June Snell on Only Fools and Horses, so what has the actress been up to since then?
(Image: LIMEPICTURES)
Diane Langton, who portrayed June Snell, is no stranger to television, having starred in the famous Carry On films. The 77-year-old has also featured in a host of other popular TV shows over the years, including Heartbeat, EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill, Bergerac, Minder, Streets Apart, Doctors, Ashes to Ashes, and many more.
Despite the years that have passed since her Only Fools stint, the actress remains as entertaining and glamorous as she was in the ’80s.
Hollyoaks fans will recognise Diane as Nana McQueen, a character she has played intermittently since 2007. Her soap character – who is worlds away from June Snell nearly four decades on – is fiery and always has a trick or two up her sleeve.
(Image: BBC)
During her time on the Channel 4 soap, Nana has committed insurance fraud by robbing her own house, made advances on her granddaughter’s boyfriend, and has generally enjoyed being outrageous.
Despite her flamboyant fashion and false lashes, Nana is a character with a big heart. Diane, a certified Hollyoaks legend, brings the same joy and entertainment to her role as she did when she portrayed June Snell on Only Fools years ago.
Diane’s recent absence from Hollyoaks has been noted, and whether she will make a return remains uncertain.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes air on E4 the following day.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
