Earlier this month, a funeral service was held for Luximon in his hometown of Enfield, where guests were encouraged to wear bright colours in celebration of his life. Mona Hammond, the former EastEnders star and champion of black theatre acting talent, has died aged 87. Melville had been appearing as Aunt Maggie in a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse. 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. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. A spokeswoman for EastEnders said: It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Bill Treacher. RIP. One Love Aunty Maggie! His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End., The tweet concluded: We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.. His acerbic wit and obvious intelligence made him a joy to direct. Mona Hammond on stage in Playboy of the West Indies in 1984, alongside T-Bone Wilson. Blossom was in fact Hammonds second incarnation in the soap opera: she previously played Michelle Fowlers midwife in 1986. Picture Shows: ASHVIN LUXIMON as Asif TX: BBC ONE Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays ASHVIN LUXIMON plays Asif in BBC ONE's award winning drama - 'EastEnders'. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Treacher appeared in EastEnders until 1996, when his troubled character was in prison for a crime he did not commit. Tony Holland passed away on 28 November 2007 aged 67 following a long illness. He was 95. He died in hospital, leaving the Fowler family heartbroken. 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. From shoplifting to vandalism, the two were never far from suffering Pauline Fowler's terrible wrath, but Asif ultimately got his life into shape. 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. Luximon never reprised his role after his initial departure, but was a memorable character throughout his tenure on the show, even appearing in a 2003 sketch as part of Comic Relief. Her first leading role was as Lady Macbeth at the Roundhouse in London in 1970 in Peter Coes African version of the play. Dean added: "Bill really was the life and soul of the set. After receiving a blow to his head during a violent fracas, Arthur was released but later suffered a brain haemorrhage at his beloved allotment. 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. Melanie also featured in many period dramas - including Catherine Cooksons A Dinner Full of Herbs on ITV. During the life of EastEnders, there have been a total of 147 deaths, ranging from natural causes to murder, disasters, accidents, and suicide. He loved and was loved by so many. 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.". Actress Sian Blake was tragically found dead in January 2016 aged 43, with her partner Arthur Simpson-Kent later convicted of murdering her and their two sons and sentenced to life in prison with a whole life order. The poodle nearly died during the famous plot in which Grant Mitchell set fire to the Vic for the insurance money. The actor was best known for playing Asif Malik, the naughty school friend of Martin Fowler, in the BBC soap between 1999 and 2003. My wife and mother-in-law were in the car absolutely wetting themselves. Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter. The Irish star played Pauline Fowler's. A statement from his family said: The family of the actor Bill Treacher are sad to announce that Bill died late Saturday night, 5 November 2022. 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. the real-life Eastender was always more focussed on his craft than his celebrity. She will be sorely missed. Josephine Melville, an actress and filmmaker known for her roles in the British soap opera "EastEnders" and "Prime Suspect 2," died backstage . A glimpse of the future gave us a first look at a murder in The Queen Vic - which was dressed for a wedding - involving the very same six women that tonight's anniversary special focused around.. Stress caused migraines which blurred his vision. But Bill feared it would drag him away from his family for too long, and the commute would be unbearable. Actor Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92, his family has confirmed. Lyndam Gregory died from lung cancer on 15 July 2014 aged 59. I was mouthing to them, Help me, help me.. In 2020, she was given the all-clear, tellingThe Irish News:I got the all clear. EastEnders is a British television soap opera first broadcast on BBC One on 19 February 1985. 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. 4 min read. He was much loved by his wife, Kate, his son, Jamie and his daughter, Sophie. He died late on Saturday night after suffering declining health for some time. One of the original cast members, Wendy Richard aka the Squares nigh-legendary Pauline Fowler, mother of Martin (James Bye), passed away in February 2009 aged 65 after battling breast cancer. Thanks for the fun, Stephen.. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92. Tributes have come in for Tony Armatrading, Notting Hill and Death In Paradise actor and brother of singer Joan Armatrading, after he died aged 59. Amazing comic timing. 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. Mona Hammond, best known for playing the matriarch of the Jackson clan, Blossom Jackson, in the BBC soap EastEnders, has died aged 91. 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. With great sadness, we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif, talent agency Michelle Braidman Associates tweeted Monday. The Jamaican-British actress was best known for playing the matriarch Blossom Jackson on. He was one of the BBC soap's original cast members and appeared from 1985 until 1996. The character returned in 1990, this time played by Todd Carty. The chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, Stephanie Sirr, said: We send our love and condolences to Jos family and friends. The word had got round. Ashvin Luximon, right, with his EastEnders co-star James Alexandrou, at the National Television Awards in London in 2001. She starred in many plays by up-and-coming black writers over the years and spent two years at the National Theatre. Gillian Taylforth, who played Kathy Beale in EastEnders, said: I have so many happy memories of Bill, in fact we were only sharing stories of him at work the other day, about how he always had a sparkle in his eyes, usually before he mischievously set us off laughing during scenes. Tributes poured in for the actor following her tragic death. A spokesperson for EastEnders said: It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Bill Treacher. Josephine Melvilles acting credits included parts in EastEnders, The Bill and Casualty as well as several theatre roles. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you through the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning. Crews battled the flames on the ground floor of a. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on Eastenders, Leonard's acting career spanned more than 60 years.". Stephen Greif, 'The Crown' And 'EastEnders' Actor, Dies At 78 "When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed," tweeted colleague Barnaby Edwards. Fenton was in the first episode of We send all our love and thoughts to Bills wife and family.. Bookmark. In real life, Amy Walsh went . No cause of death was given. Includes exclusive content, spoilers and interviews before they're seen on the site. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Our #NineNight family is lost without you. He did not continue acting for the screen after leaving the EastEnders cast. EastEnders star Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing a theatre production at the Nottingham Playhouse. David Scarboro, who originally played Mark Fowler, was tragically found dead at the bottom of Beachy Head in April 1988, aged just 20. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. May she sleep peacefully.. . Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Crown, The Alienist and EastEnders actor Stephen Greif has died at the age of 78. Graduating in 1964, Hammond began her career on stage and television. Bill will forever be held in great affection by everyone at EastEnders and all those that loved watching him. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones.. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 22, is set to be taking up the role of a daughter in a new family moving to . He appeared in EastEnders in its very first episode, which was broadcast in . The actor - also known as Coronation. Treacher appeared in EastEnders until 1996, when his troubled character was given a prison sentence for a crime he did not commit. Christopher Hancock passed away on 29 September 2004 aged 76 from a heart attack. Im cancer free, which is great, so now its all about recovery.. RIP. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. With 12-hour days on top of the travelling, he would be up at 4am learning scripts. 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. Tuesday 8 November 2022, 5:48pm. Read about our approach to external linking. Bill left EastEnders in 1996, so it is a true testament to both he and the character that he created in Arthur that he is still thought of so fondly. Pauline, meanwhile, died on Christmas Day 2006 after collapsing in the middle of Albert Square with the cause of death later revealed as a brain haemorrhage caused by her then husband Joe Macer (Ray Brooks) hitting her with a frying pan. 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. All remaining performances of Nine Night, a co-production between Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse, have been cancelled. Ashs unexpected passing has hit us all hard, but we want to take the time to remember his larger than life spirit. Actor Leonard Fenton, best known for playing Dr. Harold Legg in long-running BBC soap "EastEnders," died on Jan. 29, his family said. With equity release you could access a lump-sum of tax-free cash which can be used to enhance your retirement income, make home improvements, or even enjoy a memorable holiday. He was a stalwart of the show for more than 30 years, appearing in the first episode of the soap in . He appeared in the first episode of EastEnders in February 1985, with his last scenes airing in 2019. The actress was already 70 when she starred in EastEnders, staying in the series in 1988 when she quit the show leading to Lou being killed off. But she sadly revealed last June that she had developed a brain tumour. 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. ", 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. Then some coaches unloaded and all these women started screaming. Actor had been appearing in a production of Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse. To pay tribute to the actor, Ashvin's family have set up a page to remember him and raise money for charity. I am proud and very lucky to have been your friend.. As an actor, he was meticulous and he went to great lengths to portray Arthur, from the smallest scenes to the heartbreaking stories. 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.". Crime Drama Romance. Part of a community of artists who understood the power of black stories. She appeared in EastEnders from 2000-2001 as Ethels great-niece Kerry Skinner. The actor died on Saturday, his family said, adding he "was much loved by his wife, Kate, his son, Jamie and his daughter, Sophie". 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. Veteran actress Pat Coombs died on 25 May 2002 from emphysema, aged 75. 1 Video. Actor played Asif Malik, naughty school friend of Martin Fowler, in soap opera between 1999 and 2003. 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., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The character was first seen as a semi-regular in 1987 but eventually became a full-time member of the cast, becoming the landlord of the Queen Vic and being remembered for his long relationship with Pat (Pam St Clement) and short marriage to Peggy (Barbara Windsor). EastEnders original star Bill Treacher - who played Pauline's husband Arthur Fowler from the show's launch in 1985 - has died aged 92 with his family and devastated co-stars rushing to pay tribute. "Bill will forever be held in great affection by everyone at EastEnders and all those that loved watching him.". Cliff Parisi (born Clifford R Manley; 24 May 1960) [3] is an English actor, known for his roles as Minty Peterson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and Fred Buckle in the BBC period drama Call the Midwife. Amazing comic timing. Starting in February 1985, the job was demanding from the beginning. He was 92 years old and his health had been declining for some time. Mona Hammond, the former EastEnders star and champion of black theatre acting talent, has died aged 87. After receiving a blow to his head during a violent fracas, he was released but later suffered a brain haemorrhage at his beloved allotment. One of her best-known roles was as Auntie Susu in the Channel 4 sitcom Desmonds from 1990 to 1994. Gretchen Franklin, who played Walfords notorious gossip Ethel Skinner, died on 11 July 2005, four days after her 94th birthday. Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the memories.. eastenders actor dies 59the renaissance apartments chicago. His co-stars Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, and Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Watts, were among those paying tribute. Nicholas Berry (born 16 April 1963) is a retired English actor and pop singer. The EastEnders star who played Pauline Fowler's niece has died after a cancer battle. Meanwhile, Ethel's little Willy, an adorable pug, was put down in heartbreaking. The EastEnders and On the Buses star died in the horror blaze after firefighters rushed to the scene around 10.30pm last night (Tuesday). Scottish actor Ross Davidson passed away on 16 October 2006 aged 57 following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Josephine Melville, the actor best known for her work on EastEnders, has died backstage at a theatre after a performance. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Entertainment reporter Actor Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92, his family has confirmed. "Please use this space to share thoughts, photos and memories. Hilda Braid died on 6 November 2007 aged 78 after suffering from Alzheimers Disease with EastEnders Nana Moon her final acting role. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. What a force of nature, & most importantly, what a Mama. Former EastEnders actor Ashvin Luximon has died following an aneurysm, his family has announced. He was not only an amazing actor but a kind and sincere man. Bill was so content with his career that when EastEnders came knocking, he wasnt initially sure that he wanted the role. Hammond also appeared on radio in The Archers, where she played Mabel Thompson, the mother of Alan Frankss deceased wife. RIP. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92. There were times he could not even see Wendy in scenes. Jane Williams. She repeated the role in the shorter-lived spin-off Porkpie from 1995 to 1996. 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. On Wednesday, Huw, 58, took to Twitter to reveal the happy news . The Coronation Street actress, 59 - best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw - became the third star to touch down in Oz. 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. 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. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Treacher appeared in EastEnders until 1996, when his troubled character was in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was not only an amazing actor but a kind and sincere man. Lyndam Gregory had roles in both EastEnders and Corrie (Picture: Rex Shutterstock) Lyndam Gregory died from lung cancer on 15 July 2014 aged 59. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. EastEnders is marking an important milestone this week as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. Nick Berry. 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. Former EastEnders actor Ashvin Luximon's family have paid tribute to their loving son, brother and friend. Christmas Day in Albert Square and beloved Pauline Fowler takes her last breath. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died at the age of 92. The veteran actor was one of the BBC soaps original cast members and appeared from 1985 until 1996. As an actor, Bill was meticulous and he went to great lengths to portray Arthur, from the smallest scenes to the heartbreaking stories.". View our online Press Pack. Former EastEnders actress Melanie Clark Pullen has tragically died at the age of 46 following a battle with breast cancer. The Englishmans final outing came in voice-acting for Total War: Warhammer III, an iteration of the decades-spanning video game franchise, Total War. While a cause of death has yet to be released, his friends, colleagues and fans have taken to social media to express their mourning. Leslie Grantham aka Den Watts passed away on 15 June 2018 from an undisclosed illness. Something went wrong, please try again later. He will be hugely missed," they said. Something went wrong, please try again later. He sang a mean karaoke tune and had a voice loud enough to hear from space! Bill was a brilliant actor and a wonderful husband and father, plus a very fine human being. He also developed diverticulitis, a stomach condition that causes pain and nausea. Jamie Mitchell. Asif's storylines were also linked with fellow schoolmates Janine Butcher - who he had an unreciprocated crush on - and Nicky di Marco. Molly Rainford is the latest star rumoured to be joining the BBC 's famous EastEnders. Janet Mitchell Snr. 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. A wonderful actress. 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. "I went away and thought about it and after three days I thought, Dont be such a bloody fool of course I have got to do it. He was right. Born in Essex, Melvilles acting credits included parts in EastEnders, The Bill and Casualty as well as several theatre roles. The actor had been appearing as Maggie in a production of. Actor Leonard Fenton, who played Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, has died at the age of 95. Jimbo Wicks. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Arthur suffered a mental breakdown in prison, and eventually died of a brain haemorrhage at his beloved allotment a few days after his release in 1996. Nottingham Playhouse said Ms Melville died on Thursday after appearing in a production of. Bill Treacher last appeared in Eastenders in 1996. Credit: PA. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, has died aged 92. Remarkable, revelatory, inspiring: Yvonne Brewster pays tribute to actor Mona Hammond, Sign up to First Edition, our free daily newsletter every weekday morning at 7am BST, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Career [ edit] Do not sell or share my personal information. On EastEnders, the actor played Mary Flaherty, who was the long-lost great-niece of Pauline Fowler. Full of light, rest in your power Jo., AchIm so shocked. 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. For other people named Nicholas Berry, see Nicholas Berry (disambiguation). 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.. Trudy https://t.co/I5LDfVyldS. 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