Former EastEnders actress dies
Former EastEnders actress Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing in a play at Nottingham Playhouse.
The theatre said Melville, who played Tessa Parker in the BBC soap opera, died on Thursday after appearing in their production of Nine Night.
She received assistance from first aiders and an audience member who was medically qualified until paramedics arrived but she died at the scene, the venue confirmed.
The theatre 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.”
The actress first appeared in EastEnders in 1986. She also featured in Casualty and The Bill.