The agent of Hollyoaks actress Diane Langton has confirmed that the actress – famous for roles in EastEnders and Only Fools and Horses as well as Nana McQueen on the Channel 4 soap – has died
Hollyoaks star Diane Langton has died at the age of 77.
The English actress had a long career that stretched back to the 1950s and included roles in EastEnders, Only Fools and Horses and others as well as he role as Nana McQueen in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. Her agent, Shane Collins, announced the news of the star’s death on Wednesday with a statement confirming: “I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.”
The star, from Somerset, had a long career on screen, beginning in 1959 with a small role in Carry On film Carry On Teacher – in which she played a schoolgirl. She went on to play various roles in the TV spin-off of the film series, Carry On Laughing, before featuring in a string of other beloved UK comedies and dramas.
She had a recurring role as June Snell in the smash comedy Only Fools And Horses – appearing in two episodes of the show in the 1980s and starring opposite Sir David Jason’s Del Boy Trotter as his on-screen girlfriend. And she played Bev Williams in BBC soap EastEnders the following decade.
Diane played Del Boy’s girlfriend June Snell in Only Fools and Horses in the 1980s (Image: BBC)
She joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2007 where she began her role as Nanna McQueen – starring as a member of arguably the most beloved family in the long-running Channel 4 show. Her first stint in the role lasted until 2009 and she later returned in 2012.
She left the soap again in 2023 only to return this year – and she continued to star in the series up to her death. Championing her incredible career, agent Shane Collins commented: “Diane had a rich and remarkable career appearing on Stage, in Films, and on television, including playing the iconic Nana Mqueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day.”
He added: “Diane trained at the Corona Academy and started her professional career as a dancer, touring with ballet companies throughout Europe, followed by appearances on That Was the Week That Was and The London Palladium.”
Hollyoaks paid tribute to the late star with a touching statement shared via Instagram. It said: “We are all absolutely heartbroken by the news. Di has been an adored friend and cast member in Hollyoaks for the last 18 years.
“Diane graced screens as the iconic Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen and brought joy into living rooms; we share the sadness with our audience who we know will miss the character she created. Those who work on the production were lucky enough to hear in person the sound of her laughter, ringing through the corridors, and see her smile light up a set. Diane was an immense talent, with so many stories to tell from her career as an actor, dancer, film star and entertainer. The cast, crew, writers and entire staff at Lime Pictures will miss her enormously.”
Singer, actress and BBC radio host Elaine Page was among the first to share her sadness over Diane’s passing. She took to X on Wednesday to share her grief.
She wrote in an emotional post: “In total shock at Diane Langton’s passing. Memories of us in Hair flooding back. Her in the dressing room with a bottle of brown ale! We also recorded an LP ‘Sparrow.’ She was a unique, talented artist. A funny, kind & special friend. My thoughts with husband Derek. RIP Diane.”
Hollyoaks fans have also been shaken by the sad news – and taken to social media to pay tribute. One fan wrote via X: “R.I.P to the beautiful Diane Langton!!! Thank you for being our Oaks queen!”
