Loose Women’s Denise Welch pays tribute to ‘wonderful actress’ Josephine Melville, 61, who played Tessa Parker in the 1980s after she died backstage at play
- Josephine Melville has died suddenly backstage at Nottingham Playhouse
- The EastEnders actress had been performing as Aunty Maggy in Nine Night
- Loose Women’s Denise Welch has paid tribute to the ‘wonderful actress’
- Paramedics and a medically qualified audience member attended the scene
Loose Women’s Denise Welch has paid tribute to EastEnders actress Josephine Melville after she died backstage while performing in a play.
The talk show panellist, 64, offered her respects to the actress, 61, who played Tessa Parker in the soap in the 1980s, tweeting: ‘So so sad. A wonderful actress.’
Nottingham Playhouse said the actress died on Thursday after appearing in the production Nine Night.
Paramedics and a medically qualified audience member tried to treat the actress but she tragically died backstage.
Staff at the theatre were left in shock following the sudden death.
Melville had been performing as Aunty Maggie in the stage production.
EastEnders actress Josephine Melville died backstage after performing in Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse on Thursday evening
The Essex-born actress became known for playing Tessa Parker in EastEnders during the 1980s
‘So so sad. A wonderful actress,’ Loose Women’s Denise Welch tweeted in tribute to Josephine Melville
The Essex-born actress became known for playing Tessa Parker in EastEnders during the 1980s.
She has also appeared in The Bill and Casualty and a number of theatre roles. Earlier this year she appeared in the video for Ella Henderson’s single Brave.
A statement from 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, in which she was performing.
‘Josephine’s family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them.’
In light of the death, the theatre company has decided to cancel all performances of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse.
In light of the death, the theatre company has decided to cancel all performances of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse
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.’
Cast member Andrea Davy, who played Trudy in the theatre production, 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 made appearances in EastEnders over the years 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.’
Ms Melville’s agents, Pemberton Associates, wrote on Twitter: ‘It’s with great sadness we announce the sudden death of longstanding client Josephine Melville.
‘Jo was taken ill performing in Nine Night, a co-production with Leeds Playhouse & Nottingham Playhouse.
‘We are shocked & stunned by this sad news. Our thoughts are with Jo’s family.’
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