Ex-EastEnders actress dies backstage after performing in play
22 October 2022, 09:43 | Updated: 22 October 2022, 10:24
An Eastenders actress has died backstage after performing in a play.
Nottingham Playhouse said that Josephine Melville died on Thursday after appearing in the production of Nine Night.
The venue said she was treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member but died at the scene.
Ms Melville portrayed the character of Tessa Parker in Eastenders from 1986 and later appeared on screen as Ellie Wright.
Her acting credits also included parts in Casualty, The Bill and in Ella Henderson’s music video for Brave.
We are deeply saddened that last night (20 Oct) the actor Josephine Melville, passed away following the performance of Nine Night, our co-production with Leeds Playhouse.
— Nottingham Playhouse (@NottmPlayhouse) October 21, 2022
Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones. https://t.co/O9qnBGXqkR pic.twitter.com/h1pCfchXPh
In a tribute on Friday, Nottingham Playhouse said the cast of Nine Night are in a ‘state of shock’ and described her as ‘truly wonderful’, ‘well-loved’ and a ‘deeply respected performer’.
The chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, Stephanie Serr 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.”
