The actress died after performing in the production of Nine Night
(Picture: Nottingham Playhouse)Josephine Melville who appeared previously in EastEnders has died after performing in a play in Nottingham.
Nottingham Playhouse broke the news that the 61-year-old actress died backstage following a performance of Nine Night on Thursday night.
The venue said that paramedics treated Melville immediately but that she died at the scene.
A statement from the playhouse said: “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.
“Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones.”
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
Born in Essex, Melville appeared in eight episodes of EastEnders, playing Kelvin Carpenter’s girlfriend, Tessa Parker.
Following her passing, the playhouse has said that all future performances have been cancelled.
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.”
