Hollyoaks star Nicole Barber-Lane has shared insights into why the Channel 4 soap has not yet filmed an ending for beloved character Nana McQueen, following the death of actress Diane Langton in January 2025. Langton's agent, Shane Collins, confirmed her passing in a statement, saying: 'I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.'
Character Remains Alive Off Screen
Unlike typical soap tributes where a character is written out after an actor's death, Nana McQueen remains alive off screen, living with her family in Alicante. Barber-Lane, who portrays Myra McQueen, addressed the situation in an interview with Digital Spy, admitting that the cast and crew are still processing Langton's death.
'If you want the honest truth, well...Sorry, I think this is the problem. I think she was so loved, it’s really difficult to put a full stop on her,' Barber-Lane said. 'We’ve still got all her stuff in the costume department, we haven’t taken it down. I think we’re still processing.'
Diane Langton's Career Highlights
Langton's career began in 1959 with an uncredited role as a schoolgirl in the comedy film Carry On Teacher. She continued in the franchise, playing Private Alice Easy in 1976's Carry On England and appearing in three episodes of the TV spin-off Carry On Laughing. In 1975, she starred as Ruby Climax in Confessions of a Pop Performer.
Langton was a regular in British sitcoms, playing Kathy in The Rag Trade and June Snell, Del Boy's former girlfriend, in Only Fools and Horses. In the 1990s, she took on soap roles, appearing in The Bill in 1993, then as Ruby Rowan in Heartbeat for two years, and later as Bev Williams, mother of Cindy Beale, in EastEnders.
Nana McQueen's Legacy on Hollyoaks
After roles in Holby City and Doctors, Langton joined Hollyoaks as the matriarch of the McQueen clan. Nana appeared sporadically between 2007 and 2009 before returning full time in 2012. Over the years, she became a fan favourite, offering support and advice to her family.
Langton's final scenes aired in December 2024, where Nana staged a comeback to the village with daughter Myra following Mercedes' cancer diagnosis. The soap has yet to decide on a formal tribute, leaving Nana's story open-ended as the cast continues to honour Langton's memory.
