Only Fools and Horses star and soap legend Diane Langton dies aged 77

15 January 2025, 16:05 | Updated: 15 January 2025, 17:22

Diane Langton has died aged 77
Diane Langton has died aged 77. Picture: Hollyoaks/Channel 4/Shutterstock/Getty

By Emma Soteriou

Only Fools and Horses star and soap legend Diane Langton has died aged 77.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

She was best known for playing Marlene 'Nana' McQueen in Hollyoaks for 18 years, having first joined in 2007.

Langton left after two years before going on to reprise the role again in 2012.

The actress also appeared in EastEnders as Bev Williams and Heartbeat as Ruby Rowan.

During the '80s, she starred in Only Fools and Horses as Del Boy's love interest, June Snell.

Diane Langton with Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses
Diane Langton with Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses. Picture: BBC/Getty

Read more: Linda Nolan's heartbroken sisters lead tributes as beloved singer dies aged 65 from cancer

Read more: Tommy Fury reveals drinking problem led to breakdown of Molly-Mae relationship

"I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning," her agent, Shane Collins, said.

"Diane had a rich and remarkable career appearing on stage, in films, and on television, including playing the iconic Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day."

He added: "Diane trained at the Corona Academy and started her professional career as a dancer, touring with ballet companies throughout Europe, followed by appearances on That Was the Week That Was and The London Palladium."

Diane Langton as Ruby Rowan
Diane Langton as Ruby Rowan. Picture: Rex

The actress had a career spanning more than 60 years, with her first credit being for a small role as a schoolgirl in Carry On Teacher.

She went on to appear in Carry On Laughing - the TV spin-off of the film series.

Diane Langton in Carry on England
Diane Langton in Carry on England. Picture: Shutterstock

Langton also starred in several West End shows, including Hair, Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line and Chicago.

Other shows she appeared in included Jesus Christ Superstar and Mary Poppins.

When previously asked about her passion for theatre, she said: "I’m compulsed! I know there’s no such word, but that describes what I am. 

"My son says to me, 'Why don’t you retire?' and I say, 'To what?' I would go insane. When I don’t work, I’m a nightmare after two weeks."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles

Bethan James died on February 8, 2020, after alleged delays to treatment.

Ex-England cricketer’s daughter 'could have been saved' if medics didn't 'miss signs of sepsis', inquest hears

Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie has acknowledged the death by giving a statement.

Aggie MacKenzie breaks silence after death of 'tortured soul' Kim Woodburn decades on from pair's feud

Easyjet flights to Spain are set to be grounded

Easyjet cabin crew announce three days of summer strike action grounding flights later this month

Chris Wilder

Sheffield United set to sack Chris Wilder after missing out on promotion to the Premier League

acegoers attending Day One of Royal Ascot 2025, Ascot Racecourse

Style takes the reins: Racegoers dazzle on day one at Ascot

.

When is the Tour de France 2025 and how to watch

Phoenix Spencer-Horn

Killer admits murdering girlfriend before decapitating and trying to dismember her in sick cover-up attempt

Police have cordoned off Millbank Lane, Thornaby, after kids found bullets in the ground.

Police launch probe after children find 'bag of bullets' and firearm magazine while playing in field