Hollyoaks star Nicole Barber-Lane has explained 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, who played Nana, passed away at age 77, with her agent Shane Collins confirming the news in a statement: 'I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.'
No on-screen tribute for Nana McQueen
Typically, when a cast member dies, the soap writes the character out as a tribute. However, Nana McQueen remains alive off-screen, currently living with family in Alicante. Nicole Barber-Lane, who plays Myra McQueen, shared an update on the character's future, admitting the cast and crew are still struggling to process 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,' she told Digital Spy. '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 spanned over six decades, beginning in 1959 with an uncredited role 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 Carry On Laughing. In 1975, she starred as Ruby Climax in Confessions of a Pop Performer.
She was a regular in British sitcoms, playing Kathy in The Rag Trade and June Snell, Del Boy's ex-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
Following parts in Holby City and Doctors, Langton joined Hollyoaks as Nana McQueen, the matriarch of the McQueen clan. She appeared sporadically between 2007 and 2009 before returning full-time in 2012. Nana became a fan favorite, offering support and advice to her family. Her final scenes aired in December 2024, where she staged a comeback with daughter Myra after Mercedes' cancer diagnosis.
Nicole Barber-Lane's comments highlight the deep affection the cast holds for Langton, making it challenging to conclude Nana's story. As of now, no plans have been announced for an on-screen tribute or exit.
