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Actress, writer and director Josephine Melville died yesterday after appearing in a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse. The talented performer portrayed Tessa Parker in EastEnders during the 1980s and her other credits include The Bill and Casualty.
Nottingham Playhouse has said Josephine was treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member but died at the scene yesterday.
A cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but Nottingham Playhouse has since paid tribute to the Essex-born actress and described her as a “wonderful and well-loved person”.
The venue’s statement 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 had been portraying the character of Aunt Maggie in the play, which was a co-production with Leeds Playhouse.
All remaining performances of Nine Night at the theatre have been cancelled.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star, with Loose Women’s Denise Welch writing: “So so sad. A wonderful actress.”
Nottingham Playhouse’s chief executive 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.”
The Yorkshire venue’s chief executive James Brining said: “We are profoundly saddened by Jo’s passing and add our condolences to her family and loved ones.
“We were truly honoured to work with her on this wonderful co-production of Nine Night and are doing everything we can to support her family, the company and staff across both theatres.”
Earlier this year, Josephine appeared in the video for Ella Henderson’s single Brave.
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