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."
