EastEnders have shared a statement confirmed the death of actress Anna Karen.
It was reported earlier on Wednesday, February 23, that the 85-year-old died in a house fire in London.
Anna was best known for her role in 70s comedy On The Buses where she played Olive Rudge.
She later appeared as Aunt Sal, the older sister of Peggy Mitchell, on BBC soap EastEnders.
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This afternoon, EastEnders tweeted: "Anna Karen, who played Aunt Sal, has passed away.
'We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away... Our love and thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends.'"
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that a woman died in a house fire in Ilford, east London, on Tuesday night.
Firefighters arrived at the fire on Windsor Road in Ilford at 10.30pm on Tuesday and said they got the blaze in the terraced house under control in less than an hour.
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.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
A family friend told the MailOnline: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."
Singer Cheryl Baker led tributes to Anna on Twitter, saying: "I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, Anna Karen has died in a house fire.
"What a 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."
Jake Wood, who played Max Branning in EastEnders, tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of Anna Karen. Loved working with her, so funny and full of character RIP x."
Actress Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap, was also heartbroken by the news.
She said: "I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best. Sleep well lovely Anna. Sending all my love to her family and friends."
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