Hollyoaks paid tribute to beloved star Diane Langton, who died at the age of 80 on January 15, two months after her death, as her character Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen was shown to be alive
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Hollyoaks have paid a heartfelt on-air tribute to the late actress Diane Langton just two months after her passing.
Diane, who was 80 years old, had a remarkable six-decade-long career in television, film, and theatre.
She was particularly well-known for her portrayal of Marlena “Nana” McQueen on the Channel 4 soap, a role she began in 2007.
In a touching tribute, the show aired a montage of Nana’s memorable moments after the closing credits of the March 11 episode. The segment, set to the iconic song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” featured photographs of Nana in her signature stylish outfits and interacting with her on-screen family.
The tribute also included some of Diane’s notable lines from the show. In one clip, she said, “I love living with you all,” and in another, “I love this silly little village. I’ve had some of my best catfights out there. I love you sweetheart, I always will. Love Nana.”
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The tribute concluded with a still image of Nana wearing her iconic leopard print jacket, accompanied by the message: “In loving memory of Diane Langton. Night night, Di. Forever in our hearts.”, reports the Mirror.
Thoughts of a fitting tribute were widespread, with one viewer expressing: “”I’ll miss our nana. She was so sassy. I love her.” A second wrote: “I wasn’t prepared at all, beautiful tribute.” While a third commented: “Rest In Peace Diane Langton Gonna Miss Nana MQueen.”
In response to the sad news of Diane’s passing, Hollyoaks issued a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Diane’s significant contribution to the series without hinting at the fate of Nana McQueen’s storyline.
The soap opera expressed its profound sorrow with the words: “We are all absolutely heartbroken by the news. Di has been an adored friend and cast member in Hollyoaks for the last 18 years,” adding that “Diane graced screens as the iconic Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen and brought joy into living rooms; we share the sadness with our audience who we know will miss the character she created.
“Those who work on the production were lucky enough to hear in person the sound of her laughter, ringing through the corridors, and see her smile light up a set.”
The statement from the show concluded by praising Diane’s vast talent and recounting her varied career: “Diane was an immense talent, with so many stories to tell from her career as an actor, dancer, film star and entertainer. The cast, crew, writers and entire staff at Lime Pictures will miss her enormously.”
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am