Eastenders star Anna Karen has died in a house fire in London.
The comedy actress died in the blaze as firefighters were called to the scene on Windsor Road, Ilford shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday.
Fire crews 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 Mirror reports.
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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.
Confirming the tragic news, Anna's family friend told Mail Online: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."
Elsewhere, 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 22.40 and the fire was under control by 23.38. Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
Many fans have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to Anna.
Karen Langley said: "RIP Anna Karen those great memories of Olive in On the Buses and Aunt Sal in Eastenders"
Rachel West said: "RIP #Annakaren! Loved her in on the buses. Up there now with friend Barbara Windsor"
TheBluestStar said: "Absolutely horrible news about Anna Karen. That poor woman"
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