The next year it was revealed that he was married and living in Edinburgh, with Martin even going to his stag do off-screen. The venue paid tribute to the Melville, who was also a writer and director , describing her as a wonderful and well-loved person and a revered and deeply respected performer. May he rest in peace., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. He was much loved by his wife, Kate, his son, Jamie and his daughter, Sophie. Earlier this year, Melville made an appearance in the music video for Ella Hendersons single Brave. Enfield-born Luximon appeared in 146 episodes of EastEnders as Malik, where he linked up with James Alexandrou, who played Martin Fowler at the time. Josephine Melville, an actress and filmmaker known for her roles in the British soap opera "EastEnders" and "Prime Suspect 2," died backstage . She appeared in EastEnders from 2000-2001 as Ethels great-niece Kerry Skinner. The latter award was for her work at the Talawa theatre company, one of the UKs most prominent black theatre companies, which she co-founded as a response to the lack of creative opportunities for black actors. The veteran actor was one . By. But after 11 years, Arthur was finally killed off by a brain haemorrhage at his beloved allotment. He also developed diverticulitis, a stomach condition that causes pain and nausea. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Former EastEnders actor Ashvin Luximon dies, aged 38 He had a four-year stint on the soap as Asif Malik. We are deeply saddened that last night (20 Oct) the actor Josephine Melville, passed away following the performance of Nine Night, our co-production with Leeds Playhouse. After his character was killed off, Treacher had roles in The Bill and Casualty, and films such as The Musketeer (2001), Tale Of The Mummy (1998) and George And The Dragon (2004). When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed," tweeted colleague Barnaby Edwards. Read about our approach to external linking. He loved and was loved by so many. Luximon also appeared in promotional videos for bus safety and British Airways. To this day, Arthur Fowler is still so fondly remembered by the audience and that is due to the character that Bill created and the reason why the Fowler name is still very much alive in Albert Square, as are the great memories of those that worked with Bill. ", While soap fans shared their memories of his time in Walford, with one writing: "So sad to hear this news, watching Ashvin play Asif on Classic right now and hes part of a great time for the show. Family and former colleagues pay tribute to brilliant actor who played character from 1985 until 1996. He was 92 years old and his health had been declining for some time. An extremely talented Jamaican actress who did theatre and TV but will always be Auntie SuSu from Desmonds to many of us. Harry, the younger brother of Charlie Slater (Derek Martin) appeared in the soap in 2001 as the uncle who it later transpired had raped Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) when she was 13, resulting in her falling pregnant with Zoe (Michelle Ryan) who previously thought Kat was her sister, with the truth revealed in one of the years most famous moments. Mona Hammond, the former EastEnders star and champion of black theatre acting talent, has died aged 87. He once said: People just stare at you and come up to you. Hell be sadly missed, I will never forget him. The character was written out of the show after passing his A-Levels and securing a university place, with a later mention revealing he was engaged to be married in Edinburgh. Don't miss a beat. A rock-solid performer with a voice as liquid and deadly as molten lava, tweeted actor Barnaby Edwards. During the life of EastEnders, there have been a total of 138 deaths, ranging from natural causes to murder, disasters, accidents, and suicide.Some deaths are minor characters or characters that haven't been seen but mentioned by regular characters in the program that may be linked, for example, Charlie Slater's wife Viv Slater was mentioned but not seen, and died off-screen in. His co-stars Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, and Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Watts, were among those paying tribute. One Love Aunty Maggie! ", Walford Web, an online forum for EastEnders' discussions, wrote: "Sad to hear that Melanie Clark Pullen, who played Mary Flaherty in EastEnders, has died aged 46. Nick Berry. "Bill left EastEnders in 1996 so it is a true testament to both him, and the character that he created in Arthur, that he is still thought of so fondly. The actor died from an aneurism on July 23, his family revealed as they paid tribute to their "loving son, brother and friend" and said his death had "hit them all hard". Menu. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Please be respectful. May she sleep peacefully.. After receiving a blow to his head during a violent fracas, Arthur was released but later suffered a brain haemorrhage at his beloved allotment. Gretchen Franklin, who played Walfords notorious gossip Ethel Skinner, died on 11 July 2005, four days after her 94th birthday. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. The EastEnders and On the Buses star died in the horror blaze after firefighters rushed to the scene around 10.30pm last night (Tuesday). He appeared briefly in EastEnders in 2006 as Honey (Emma Barton)s dad Jack Edwards with the character dying off-screen in a car accident in 2010. The following is a list of characters who currently appear in the programme, listed in order of first appearance. Part of a community of artists who understood the power of black stories. From shoplifting to vandalism, the two were never far from suffering Pauline Fowler's terrible wrath, but Asif ultimately got his life into shape. Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the memories.. The actor - who appeared on the long-running BBC soap between 1999 and 2003 - died on 23 July "due to an aneurysm", his family have said. Roly was later actually killed off from the show in 1993, during a plotline in which he . This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. But Bill feared it would drag him away from his family for too long, and the commute would be unbearable. BBC News Actress, director and writer Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing in a play. 4 min read. Alongside his work in EastEnders, he also made appearances in Grange Hill and Hope and Glory and starred in promotional videos for British Airways. Louis Allwood 27th Oct 2022, 11:42 EastEnders' Max Bowden and Shona . Bill will always be remembered for his charm, sense of humour with a smile that lit up the room and more importantly as a family man who was devoted to his wife and children. A distinguished Jamaican-British stage actor of Chinese descent, Hammond has been hailed as a pioneer and trailblazer for her work on stage, screen, television and radio, and for her support for Black British actors. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 22, is set to be taking up the role of a daughter in a new family moving to . In the years that followed, Arthur went to prison for stealing Christmas Club money to pay for Michelles wedding, suffered a mental breakdown, struggled with his sons HIV diagnosis and his daughters pregnancy by Den. "With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif," his. Luximon will be known to soap fans for playing the role of Asif Malik on BBC One's EastEnders for a four-year period between 1999 and 2003. Joe Macer. Taylforth said she had "so many happy memories of Bill", adding: "He always had a sparkle in his eyes, usually before he mischievously set us off laughing during scenes.". Bill was a brilliant actor and a wonderful husband and father, plus a very fine human being. A website has been set up in his memory, requesting donations to children's charity NSPCC and men's mental health organisation Andy's Man Club instead of floral tributes. More info: Tracy left the village at the start of 2022 in order to take on a new job in Nottingham. Todd Carty, who played the Fowlers eldest son Mark, said: Im so sorry to hear about Bill passing, I absolutely loved working with him. The veteran actor was one of the BBC soaps original cast members and appeared from 1985 until 1996. He sang UK chart singles with "Every Loser Wins . He was a stalwart of the show for more than 30 years, appearing in the first episode of the soap in . He was 78. Born in the small Hertfordshire town of Sawbridgeworth in southern England on Aug. 26, 1944, Greif was classically trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or RADA. Ashs unexpected passing has hit us all hard, but we want to take the time to remember his larger than life spirit. Hilda Braid died on 6 November 2007 aged 78 after suffering from Alzheimers Disease with EastEnders Nana Moon her final acting role. He transitioned to the small screen in 1978 when he was cast in the BBCs science-fiction TV series Blakes 7., With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End.We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family and friends x pic.twitter.com/sYcwILCvNr. The word had got round. Bill was a brilliant actor and a wonderful husband and father, plus a very fine human being. Something went wrong, please try again later. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: Like so many, I grew up watching EastEnders with the beloved Arthur Fowler on his allotment, one of Walfords originals who can still be described as a true heart of the Square. We send all our love and thoughts to Bills wife and family.. Fenton was in the first episode of Molly Rainford is the latest star rumoured to be joining the BBC 's famous EastEnders. EastEnders creator Julia Smith was the pooch's real-life owner - and he tragically passed away for real in 1995. He sang a mean karaoke tune and had a voice loud enough to hear from space! Mona Hammond was made an OBE in the 2005 Queens birthday honours list for her services to drama. TV Shows. But of course, sadly, some of those whove appeared in the soap in the past are no longer with us. Any other use whatsoever without specific prior approval from the BBC may result in legal action. Asif's storylines were also linked with fellow schoolmates Janine Butcher - who he had an unreciprocated crush on - and Nicky di Marco. Edna Dor Dor as Mo Butcher in EastEnders Born Edna Lillian Gorring (1921-05-31) 31 May 1921 Bromley, Kent, England Died 11 April 2014 (2014-04-11) (aged 92) Sussex, England Occupation Actress Years active 1960-2011 Television EastEnders (1988-1990) Eyes Down (2003-2004) Spouse Alexander Dor (m. 1946; died 2002) Children 1 Edna Lillian Dor (ne Gorring ; 31 May 1921 - 11 April . I felt depressed. "He would get this twinkle in his eye, you'd start laughing and he never got the blame. He was 95. She starred in many plays by up-and-coming black writers over the years and spent two years at the National Theatre. Play trailer 0:31. Treacher was one of the first actors to be cast in the BBC One soap, appearing in the first episode in February 1985. EastEnders and Desmond's actor Mona Hammond dies aged 91 Jamaican-British actor, who played Blossom Jackson in BBC soap, hailed as a 'pioneer' and 'trailblazer' Mona Hammond was made an OBE. "Your words and your babies live on. As one of our original cast members, Bill created a much-loved character in Arthur Fowler and, alongside Wendy Richard, they created an iconic family in the Fowlers who still remain at the heart of the show. In 2020, she was given the all-clear, tellingThe Irish News:I got the all clear. The Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh wrote: Ach Im so shocked. Actor Paul Bhattacharjee was found dead in July 2013 at Splash Point Cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, aged 53 with his death later ruled a suicide by a coroner. Letitia Dean, another original cast member who played Sharon Watts, said: Bill really was the life and soul of the set, he was an absolute joy to be around and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Our love and thoughts are with Simon. The Jamaican-British actress was best known for playing the matriarch Blossom Jackson on the . Tributes poured in for the actor following her tragic death. "As a family we would like to ask anyone who would have made a floral tribute to instead donate to our chosen charities, the NSPCC (Ash was the ultimate Uncle) and Andy's Man Club ( a charity aimed at helping men talk). In 2018, she was awarded the Women of the World lifetime achievement award for her theatre career and for championing Black British actors. Christopher Hancock passed away on 29 September 2004 aged 76 from a heart attack. He graduated from the prestigious institution with honors, according to ET. Actor Leonard Fenton, best known for playing Dr. Harold Legg in long-running BBC soap "EastEnders," died on Jan. 29, his family said. To pay tribute to the actor, Ashvin's family have set up a page to remember him and raise money for charity. In a statement, his family confirmed the actor's health "had been declining for some time". In 1985, she played Kelvin Carpenters girlfriend Tessa Parker on EastEnders for eight episodes. Josephine Melville, the actor best known for her work on EastEnders, has died backstage at a theatre after a performance. The EastEnders star who played Pauline Fowler's niece has died after a cancer battle. Actor Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92, his family has confirmed. Crime Drama Romance. He was much loved by his wife, Kate, his son, Jamie and his daughter, Sophie. Actor Melanie Clark Pullen, best known for her role in EastEnders, has died aged 46, less than a year after being diagnosed with brain cancer. The shows had its fair share of big storylines and memorable moments over the decades of course and paid host to its fair share of characters, played by some pretty big names. The veteran actor was one of the BBC soap's original cast members and appeared from 1985 until 1996. The actor was best known for playing Asif Malik, the naughty school friend of Martin. The character appeared in almost 150 episodes of the drama series, where he was usually seen getting into trouble with school friend Martin Fowler (James Alexandrou). A wonderful actress. British actor and musician Martin Kemp, who appeared with Brown in EastEnders in the late 1990s and early 2002s, wrote on Twitter: "I was such a small part of your 35 years at EastEnders but you . You can unsubscribe at any time. "Thanks for the fun, Stephen." By Marco Margaritoff Dec 27, 2022, 11:48 AM EST I looked around, then I realised they were coming for me. She attended evening classes at the City Literary Institute in London for two years and was awarded a scholarship to Rada. Bill was an utter professional, a wonderful man. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Its nonsense, isnt it?. He was not only an amazing actor but a kind and sincere man. In 2015, he said he was suffering from ataxia, a disorder that can affect co-ordination, balance and speech. On EastEnders, the actor played Mary Flaherty, who was the long-lost great-niece of Pauline Fowler. Ashvin's EastEnders character Asif was a school friend of Martin Fowler, with a lot of their storylines revolving in them getting up to mischief together. Then some coaches unloaded and all these women started screaming. Greif went on to join the National Theatre Company at the hallowed Old Vic in London and performed in several stage productions during the 1960s and 1970s. Mr Treacher died late on . He appeared in the first episode of EastEnders in February 1985, with his last scenes airing in 2019. EastEnders is marking an important milestone this week as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. There were times he could not even see Wendy in scenes. Scottish actor Ross Davidson passed away on 16 October 2006 aged 57 following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He recalled a visit to Portmeirion, the tourist village in North Wales, with his wife Kate and her mum, saying: All the shopkeepers came out along the high street. Bill Treacher as Arthur Fowler in EastEnders in 1996. Actor Leonard Fenton, best known for his role as Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, has died aged 95, his family has said. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92. In 2019, he participated in the nineteenth series of I'm a Celebrity.Get Me Out of Here! Mo was killed off in 1992 but her death was not aired, with the actress having already left the soap after she was sent to live with Franks sister Jean. Leslie Grantham aka Den Watts passed away on 15 June 2018 from an undisclosed illness. Bill will always be remembered for his charm, sense of humour with a smile that lit up the room and more importantly as a family man who was devoted to his wife and children. Actress Gemma McCluskie was tragically found dead in Londons Regents Canal on 6 March 2012 aged just 29, after disappearing from her home a few days earlier with her brother Tony later convicted of her murder. Janet Mitchell Snr. Mona Hammond, the former EastEnders star and champion of black theatre acting talent, has died aged 87. Stephen Greif, who appeared in Blake's 7 and The Crown, has died aged 78, his representatives said. The everyday lives of working-class inhabitants of Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses surrounding a park in the East End of London's Walford borough. Former EastEnders star, Adam Woodyatt, said: "So many memories of working with Bill, most of them involving him making us corpse. Greif became a journeyman actor who took roles in dozens of shows throughout the 1980s, often even for only one episode, including in Englands long-spanning soap opera EastEnders which centered on friend circles and families in the titular London area. Bill was a wonderful, wonderful man who will be truly missed and I am sending all our love to his wife Kate and his family.. The chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, Stephanie Sirr, said: We send our love and condolences to Jos family and friends. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. As an actor, Bill was meticulous and he went to great lengths to portray Arthur, from the smallest scenes to the heartbreaking stories.". 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Thanks for the fun, Stephen.. Tony Holland passed away on 28 November 2007 aged 67 following a long illness. In a statement posted on Twitter, it said: 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. He died in hospital, leaving the Fowler family heartbroken. A spokeswoman for EastEnders said: It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Bill Treacher. Trudy https://t.co/I5LDfVyldS. 43. He appeared in the earliest episodes of EastEnders before the character was written out for several months, re-appearing briefly in December 1985 as well as in 1986 and 1987. The family respectfully request privacy at this time.. His EastEnders character known as Dirty Den after getting 16-year-old Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) pregnant, was the Queen Vics first landlord and was known for his tempestuous relationship with first wife Angie Watts (Anita Dobson) as well as his shady dealings. A statement from the London Fire Brigade said: "Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire. the real-life Eastender was always more focussed on his craft than his celebrity. His family have set up a tribute website, where they are raising money for the NSPCC and suicide prevention charity Andys Man Club. L-R: Peter Dean as Pete Beale, Bill Treacher as Arthur Fowler, Wendy Richard as Pauline Fowler, Nick Berry as Simon Wicks (Wicksy) and Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale, Wendy Richard as Pauline Fowler and Bill Treacher as Arthur Fowler in 1985, Anna Wing as Lou,Susan Tully as Michelle,Wendy Richard as Pauline and Bill Treacher as Arthur, Anna Wing as Lou, Bill Treacher as Arthur and Wendy Richard as Pauline, EastEnders cast shot 1985 - with Treacher at the left of the shot by the piano, Bill Treacher as Arthur Fowler and Susan Tully as Michelle Fowler in 1986, Peter Dean as Pete Beale, June Brown as Dot Cotton and Bill Treacher as Arthur Fowler, Halloween 1989, Arthur Fowler by a market stall in EastEnders in 1989, The Fowler family celebrating Christmas in 1990, The Fowler family pictured at Michelle's graduation, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant. However, his perhaps most prominent role in terms of viewership came in 2020 when he portrayed Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in Season 4 of The Crown.. Jane Williams. ACTOR Melanie Clark Pullen has sadly died at the age of 46. Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Veteran actress Pat Coombs died on 25 May 2002 from emphysema, aged 75. View our online Press Pack. The actor was best known for playing Asif Malik, the naughty school friend of Martin Fowler, in the BBC soap between 1999 and 2003. He told BBC chief Alan Yentob: If I dont leave now Ill be carted off to hospital., After leaving in 1996, he said: By the time I finished even the sound of the theme music was making me feel ill. For other people named Nicholas Berry, see Nicholas Berry (disambiguation). 2023 BBC. Includes exclusive content, spoilers and interviews before they're seen on the site. Frank was eventually killed off off-screen, with a week of shows in 2008 dedicated to his death and funeral. Another veteran of the first ever episode, Ethel famed for her pug dog Willy and her friendship with Dot (June Brown) was a regular from 1985-1988, and then appeared sporadically until 2000 when the character, suffering from terminal cancer, died in her sleep from an overdose, aided by Dot. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. "Please use this space to share thoughts, photos and memories. On the page, his family and friends wrote: "This site is a tribute to Ash, who passed on the 23rd July 2022 due to a aneurysm. Julia Smith, the other co-creator of EastEnders, died of cancer aged 70 on 19 June 1997. The actor died from an aneurism on July 23, his family revealed as they paid tribute to their "loving son, brother and friend" and. The actor had an extensive career on stage and screen and appeared in other series including. In the case that more than one actor has portrayed a character, the current actor portraying the character is listed first. LOUISE Plowright, who starred as Julie Cooper in EastEnders, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jamaican-British actor, who played Blossom Jackson in BBC soap, hailed as a pioneer and trailblazer. The news was confirmed by Fenton's family in a statement which said: "The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. 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Treacher was married to Australian actress Katherine Kessey, with whom he shared two children, and they were longstanding residents of Suffolk. 0 . Tuesday 8 November 2022, 5:48pm. After his character was killed off, Treacher had roles in The Bill and Casualty, and films such as The Musketeer (2001), Tale Of The Mummy (1998), and George And The Dragon (2004). EastEnders spoilers: Who is shot as Phil and Ben Mitchell prepare to kill Keanu Taylor tonight? Former EastEnders actor Ashvin Luximon's family have paid tribute to their loving son, brother and friend. snoopy happy dance emoji 8959 norma pl west hollywood ca 90069 8959 norma pl west hollywood ca 90069 With 12-hour days on top of the travelling, he would be up at 4am learning scripts. Nottingham Playhouse said Ms Melville died on Thursday after appearing in a production of. Firefighters were called to Windsor Road, Ilford, shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday night. Christmas Day in Albert Square and beloved Pauline Fowler takes her last breath. The radio presenter and journalist Lorraine King wrote: RIP Mona Hammond. Ashvin Luximon stars as Asif Malik in EastEnders in 2001, Former EastEnders actor Ashvin Luximon has died aged 38, Ashvin's family paid tribute to the former soap star, His family said that he was 'loved by so many', He was best known for playing Asif Mailk in the BBC soap from 1999 until 2003, Ashvin played Martin Fowler's school friend Asif Malik, Ashvin's family and friends paid tribute to the actor. EastEnders continues on Thursday night on BBC One at 7.30pm. The actor had been appearing as Maggie in a production of. Sunday 28 August 2022 08:51, UK Why you can trust Sky News Ashvin Luximon, who played Asif Malik in EastEnders, has died aged 38. Born in Jamaica, Hammond, whose real name was Mavis Chin, emigrated to the UK in 1959 on a Jamaican scholarship and worked for Norman & Dawbarn architects. When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on Eastenders, Leonard's acting career spanned more than 60 years.". talent agency Michelle Braidman Associates tweeted Monday, Greif appeared in more than 100 film and television projects. Dean added: "Bill really was the life and soul of the set. Anna Wing who played cantankerous matriarch Lou Beale from the first episode in 1985 died on 7 July 2013 at the ripe old age of 98.