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Hollyoaks fans in floods of tears as soap pays emotional tribute to star after shock death

HOLLYOAKS fans have been left in floods of tears as the show paid tribute to a beloved star following their death.

Viewers of the Channel 4 soap were left devastated in January when Diane Langton’s death was announced.

Diane Langton on Hollyoaks.
Lime Pictures
Hollyoaks have aired a special on air tribute to Diane Langton[/caption]
Tribute to Diane Langton from Hollyoaks.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Fans of the soap have been left devastated as they flooded social media with their own tributes[/caption]

The actress – who played fan-favourite Nana McQueen – died on the morning of January 15.

In a statement, her agent said: “I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.”

Hollyoaks have now paid tribute to Diane with an on-air message during the end of tonight’s episode.

After the credits rolled, a picture of Diane in the McQueen household as her character.

A message then said: “In loving memory of Diane Langton.

“Night, night Di. Forever in our hearts.”

Fans were left in tears following the tribute, as one said: “I’ll miss our nana 😩 She was so sassy. I love her.”

A second wrote: “I wasn’t prepared at all, beautiful tribute.”

“Bless her may she rest peacefully,” said a third devastated viewer.

While a fourth commented: “Rest In Peace Diane Langton Gonna Miss Nana MQueen.”

Diane, from Somerset, had a long career on screen, including TV spin off Carry On Laughing in 1975 and film sequel Carry On England in 1976.

She had a recurring role as June Snell – a former girlfriend of Del Boy (David Jason) – in cherished BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, appearing in two episodes in the 1980s.

Diane also appeared in Beeb soap EastEnders as Bev Williams and had stints in The Bill and Heartbeat before joining the cast of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks from 2007 as Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen.

She initially left in 2009 but returned in 2012, before leaving again in 2023, only to return last year.

From Hollyoaks to Hollywood

James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.

The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”

Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.

Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.

Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.

Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child. 

Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small

Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.

Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.

Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy

Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.

Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.

Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat

Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.

Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.

He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.

Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.

He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.

After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.

He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.

Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.

His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.

After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.

Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.

In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.

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