Former EastEnders star Josephine Melville has passed away after appearing on stage in Nottingham.
The actress is best known for playing Tessa Parker in the BBC One soap.
Nottingham Playhouse said Ms Melville died on Thursday (October 20) after appearing in a production of Nine Night.
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The venue said she was treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member but died at the scene.
Josephine’s acting credits also included parts in The Bill and Casualty along with several theatre roles.
She portrayed Tessa in EastEnders during the 1980s and earlier this year appeared in the video for Ella Henderson’s single Brave.
(Image: @NottmPlayhouse/Twitter)
Nottingham Playhouse paid tribute to the actress and described her as a “wonderful and well-loved person”.
In a statement the venue said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville, passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night, in which she was performing.
“Josephine’s family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them.”
(Image: BBC)
All remaining performances of Nine Night at the venue have been cancelled.
Nottingham Playhouse’s 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 want to pay tribute to the company of Nine Night and to the whole Nottingham Playhouse team who managed the situation with empathy and professionalism.”
(Image: BBC)
James Brining, the Yorkshire venue’s chief executive paid tribute to the late actress, saying they were “truly honoured” to work with her.
He said: “We are profoundly saddened by Jo’s passing and add our condolences to her family and loved ones.
“We were truly honoured to work with her on this wonderful co-production of Nine Night and are doing everything we can to support her family, the company and staff across both theatres.”
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