FORMER EastEnders actress Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing in a play.
The telly star, known for playing Tess Parker in the 1980s, immediately received assistance from a first-aider and a medically-trained member of the audience.
Josephine Melville has died
The actress played Tess Parker in EastEnders in the 1980s
She was performing as Aunty Maggie in a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse. The theatre’s staff were left in shock last night.
Melville also performed in singer Ella Henderson’s music video Brave earlier this year.
Loose Women panelist Denise Welch, 64, called her “a wonderful actress” in a tribute, adding: “So so sad.”
Her fellow cast member Andrea Davy, who played Trudy, said: “Such a pleasure and honour to work with you Josephine. RIP.
“Our Nine Night family is lost without you. One Love Aunty Maggie! Trudy”
Actress Adjoah Andoh, 59, who has also appeared in EastEnders, wrote: “Ach…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 & condolences to the family. Full of light, rest in your power Jo”
Actor Michael Maris added: “So sad. [She] was always pleasant and helpful with me.”
Nottingham Playhouse 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.
“Josephine received immediate assistance from Nottingham Playhouse first aiders and a medically qualified member of the Nine Night audience.
“Josephine was a truly wonderful and well-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Auntie Maggie in Nine Night.
“We are offering our full support to her family, our onstage and production crew and all staff at this awful time.”
Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse, 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.”
