Diane Langton, the beloved actress known for her role as Nana McQueen on Channel 4's soap opera Hollyoaks, has passed away at the age of 77. Langton’s agent, Shane Collins, confirmed the tragic news on the morning of January 15, 2025, stating, "I am sad to say Diane Langton passed away this morning." Her career spanned over six decades, marking her as one of Britain’s cherished performers.
Born in Somerset, Langton kicked off her acting career back in 1959 with the minor role of a schoolgirl in the film Carry On Teacher. This debut set the stage for her lengthy and successful career as she became familiar with various television audiences. Over the years, she appeared on multiple iconic shows, including EastEnders, Only Fools and Horses, and more recently, Hollyoaks.
Langton's portrayal of Nana McQueen began when she joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2007, quickly becoming one of the focal points of the show's beloved McQueen family. Initially appearing until 2009, she returned to the show in 2012 and continued to portray Nana until her passing. Her character was widely adored by fans, leading to her nomination for Best Comedy Performance at the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards just last year.
Hannah Cheers, the executive producer of Hollyoaks, expressed deep sorrow over Langton’s passing, stating, "We are all absolutely heartbroken by the news. Di has been an adored friend and cast member of Hollyoaks for the last 18 years. Diane graced screens as the iconic Marlena 'Nana' McQueen and brought joy to living rooms; we share the sadness with our audience, who will miss the character she created." Cheers added, "Those who work on the production were lucky enough to hear the sound of her laughter ringing through the corridors and see her smile light up the set. Diane was an immense talent, with so many stories to tell from her time as an actor, dancer, film star, and entertainer."
Before landing her unforgettable role on Hollyoaks, Langton enjoyed notable appearances on other beloved television programs. She played June Snell across two memorable episodes of Only Fools and Horses, and portrayed Bev Williams on EastEnders during the late 1990s. Her impressive versatility shone through as she transitioned successfully between comedy and drama throughout her career.
Langton's contributions to the entertainment world extended beyond television. She also showcased her talent on stage, having trained at the Corona Academy and performing with ballet companies throughout Europe. This foundation paved the way for her appearances on renowned platforms such as The London Palladium and shows like That Was the Week That Was.
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike on social media, reflecting on the impact she had on their lives. Renowned singer and actress Elaine Paige took to X to share her grief, writing, "I am in total shock at Diane Langton's passing. Memories of us in Hair flooding back. She was unique, talented, and kind—a special friend. My thoughts are with her husband, Derek." Such heartfelt sentiments echo the feelings of many who followed Langton's career.
The public's grief highlighted the significant loss felt by many upon hearing the news. One fan expressed their condolences on X, stating, "R.I.P. to the beautiful Diane Langton!!! Thank you for being our Oaks queen!" These sentiments capture the affection and respect the actress earned over her long and accomplished career.
Reflecting on her extensive resume, Langton appeared not only on stage and television but also made her mark in film with notable roles, including her performance in the 1989 film The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, alongside renowned actors Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren. Her impact was felt across all areas of performance, and her departure marks the end of an era for many fans and colleagues.
While Diane Langton's physical presence may be gone, her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her work, the characters she portrayed, and the memories shared by those who were lucky enough to know her. Her unique ability to embody roles with warmth and laughter has left an indelible mark on British television and film, and she will be remembered fondly by audiences and peers alike for years to come.