FORMER EastEnders star Josephine Melville, known for playing Tess Parker in the 1980s, has died backstage at a theatre.
The TV actress received assistance from first-aiders, including a member of the audience, moments before her sudden death.
She was performing a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse and was starring as Aunty Maggie – leaving theatre staff in shock.
A statement from Nottingham Playhouse seen by OMG-News.com reads: "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.
"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."
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