Diane Langton, who has played Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen in Hollyoaks since 2007, has sadly passed away and fans have been left wondering how the iconic character will be written out of the soap

Hollyoaks fans have been speculating about how Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen will depart the Channel 4 soap after the sad news of Diane Langton’s passing.

Diane’s agent, Shane Collins, shared the news of her death on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, January 15, stating: “Very sad News , I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.”

The statement highlighted Diane’s illustrious career, which spanned stage, film, and television, including her iconic role as Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day.

Following the news, fans have taken to social media to predict how Nana will exit the show, with some suggesting that the McQueen matriarch will pass away off-screen.

One fan wrote: “Maybe have her pass on the show as well and have a funeral for her.”, reports the Liverpool Echo. Another fan added: “I hope they bring her character to a gracious end and not just a couple of naff lines about Nana dying in Alicante.”

A third fan commented: “They best have a funeral episode for Nanna. Ping fluffy coffin etc…” Another fan said: “Hope they give her a good send off in Hollyoaks McQueen style.”

Diane’s agent shared the news of her death on X (Image: Grab)

Diane’s screen career kicked off in 1959 when she featured as a schoolgirl in Carry On Teacher. She later starred in Carry On Laughing (1975), the TV spin-off of the film series, and in the movie Carry On England (1976), where she portrayed Private Alice Easy.

She is best known for her role as June Snell, Del Boy’s (Sir David Jason) girlfriend in the BBC’s iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses, appearing in two episodes during the 1980s.

Fans are hoping Nana has a “good send off” (Image: Lime Pictures)

From 1998 to 1999, Diane graced EastEnders as Bev Williams. Following stints in Holby City and Doctors, she joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Nana McQueen in 2007.

After initially leaving the soap in 2009, she made a comeback in 2012 and remained on the show for over a decade before departing in 2023 and making yet another return this year.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am