Ex-EastEnders star Josephine Melville dies backstage after performing in play

Actress Josephine Melville, known for playing Tessa Parker in EastEnders in the 1980s, died backstage after appearing in a play in Nottingham.

Nottingham Playhouse, where Josephine was performing in a production of Nine Night, said that theatre staff had been left in shock after her death yesterday.

Josephine had also appeared in The Bill and Casualty, and was described by the theatre as a "revered and deeply respected performer."

The statement from Nottingham Playhouse read: "We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville, passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night, in which she was performing.

"Josephine’s family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them.

"Josephine received immediate assistance from Nottingham Playhouse first aiders and a medically qualified member of the Nine Night audience.

"The subsequent very swift arrival of paramedics meant she was quickly and expertly treated but sadly she passed away at the scene."

"Nine Night is a co-production between Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse. The entire company, and staff at both theatres are in a state of shock.

"Josephine was a truly wonderful and well-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Auntie Maggie in Nine Night.

Josephine Melville has been described as revered and respected performer (BBC)

"We are offering our full support to her family, our onstage and production crew and all staff at this awful time."

Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse, Stephanie Sirr 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.”

Josephine was known for her role in EastEnders, but also appeared in Casualty and The Bill (BBC)

Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, James Brining says the theatre was "truly honoured to work with her" and are "doing everything" they can to support Josephine's family and theatre staff.

According to IMDB, Josephine was an assistant director on a short film last year, and assistant producer on a short in the same year.

One person who saw Josephine in Nine Night said on Twitter that she was a "wonderfully funny and talented actress" and a "brilliant Aunt Maggie."