from January 2025
Diane Langton (1947-2025)
Veteran actress Diane Langton has died at the age of 77, her agent confirmed. Shane Collins announced the news in a statement, saying: "I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning."
Somerset-born, Diane had a career spanning more than six decades in British television and film. Diane's portrayal of Nana McQueen became one of her most enduring roles, with the actress appearing in Hollyoaks for 18 years. Her career in entertainment began in 1959 with her debut role as a schoolgirl in the film Carry On Teacher. Her early work laid the foundation for what would become a prolific career in British entertainment, spanning multiple decades.
I must have first met Diane whist still a performer myself, we were both in The End of the End of the Pier Show made by Southern TV, she played Mrs Channing.
Somerset-born, Diane had a career spanning more than six decades in British television and film. Diane's portrayal of Nana McQueen became one of her most enduring roles, with the actress appearing in Hollyoaks for 18 years. Her career in entertainment began in 1959 with her debut role as a schoolgirl in the film Carry On Teacher. Her early work laid the foundation for what would become a prolific career in British entertainment, spanning multiple decades.
I must have first met Diane whist still a performer myself, we were both in The End of the End of the Pier Show made by Southern TV, she played Mrs Channing.
Around that time, I became the resident choreographer for The Trevor Baker All Weather Show which went out live each week on a Saturday tea time, directed by Bryan (Izzard) also produced by Southern. Diane was part of the resident team and, as I recall would sing the big number each week.
I do remember choreographing her big number 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from Hello Dolly. I remember because I was mildly terrified it would all go horribly wrong, that I'd over-stepped the mark in the routine I'd given to a local band of cheerleaders who were to dance around Diane whilst she was singing on a cloud platform. Diane was an absolute trouper covering for the inadequacies of the cheerleaders and the number was fantastic, it went down well with viewers. |
When Southern lost its franchise and we formed Bright Thoughts, Diane stayed in touch particularly with Bryan as they had become good friends through having a great working relationship.
We had intended to work with Diane much more, and particularly if were we going to do more monologues. We are however lucky to still have the three she did perform for us:
In the same show, Diane gives us a brief yet amusing appearance in 'My Word! You Do Look Queer' with the now legendary Barry Cryer. |
It is so, so sad to have lost Diane and I know viewers of Hollyoaks will miss her very much. She was great fun and easy to work with, wholly dependable and a 'one-take-wonder'.
We will miss Diane also because we were hoping she would be involved in the remake of the Monologues, but sadly not now. Neil Anthony,
16 January 2025 |
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