Much-loved actress Anna Karen has died in a house fire in east London.
The EastEnders star died in the horror blaze as firefighters were called to the scene in Ilford shortly after 10.30pm last night.
The crew got the fire on the ground floor of a terraced house under control in less than an hour but the actress had died by then.
The 85-year-old was best known for her role as Olive in 70s comedy On The Buses.
She also appeared in EastEnders as Aunt Sal and the sister of Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor.
Since the news of Anna's tragic death has emerged, tributes have been pouring in.
Confirming the tragic news, Anna's family friend told Mail Online: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: "Sadly, a woman has died following a house fire on Windsor Road in Ilford.
"Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire.
"Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The Brigade was called at 2240 and the fire was under control by 2338. Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
The actress was born in Durban, South Africa as Ann McCall to her Irish father and an English mother.
During her youth, Anna appeared in productions in South Africa before moving to London aged 17.
Having had a passion for acting and performing from a very young age, she enrolled in the London School of Dramatic Art once she arrived in the UK.
As well as a long career in film and television, she was also a theatre star.
Anna appeared in numerous pantomimes across the country.
The actress last appeared on BBC One soap EastEnders in January 2017.
Anna's character, Aunt Sal, fast became a favourite among fans thanks to her no-nonsense nature and witty one-liners.
Before she made her first appearance on Albert Square in 1996, Anna reprised the role of Olive in The Rag Trade in the late 1970s and had roles in two Carry On films, Carry On Camping and Carry On Loving.
In 2006, Anna used her experience as a striptease dancer to act as a judge in the final edition of Channel 4's reality television documentary Faking It.
In 2008, she was also a guest on the Channel 4's Sunday Night Project, alongside EastEnders co-star, Barbara Windsor.
Since the news of Anna's tragic death has emerged, tributes have been pouring in.
Barbara Windsor's widower, Scott Mitchell, told Mail Online: "I am desperately sad and shocked to hear of how Anna has passed away.
"Barbara and Anna were lifelong friends and Anna was always what I considered to be Barbara's only real girlfriend.
"Anna had seen Barbara go through every stage of her life and their late night phone calls together before Barbara's illness, will always be a fond memory for me of hearing them put the world to rights.
"Anna and I had kept in regular contact since Barbara's passing and she was a good friend and support to me when things were tough and we spoke a couple of weeks ago. It was a fun chat and I thought how upbeat she sounded.
"We always shared memories and jokes about Barbara. Anna was one of three I asked to speak at Barbara's funeral.
"I will remember her straight talking, great humour and intelligence. May she rest in peace."
Singer Cheryl Baker also remembered Anna in a Twitter tribute.
"I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, #AnnaKaren has died in a house fire," she wrote.
"What an horrific way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her.
"She was an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen."
Late Only Fools and Horses star John Challis' wife carol also paid tribute to the starlet.
Taking to Twitter, she penned: "So sorry to hear that Anna Karen has died. John and I met her often at conventions and she was such a lovely lady. Not fair."
