Former ‘EastEnders’ star Louise Plowright has died at the of 59 following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, it has been confirmed.
The actress starred as hairdresser Julie Cooper in the soap, and also had a glittering career on the West End stage.
Her death was confirmed on a Facebook page that was set up to help raise funds for the actress’s treatment.
It read: “Dear wonderful supporters of Louise.
“I am so sorry to have to let you know that an hour ago we lost Louise to that horrid disease. All of her family were with her.
“The world has lost a truly special person, prodigiously talented, and a friend to all.
“Can I thank all of you who joined us in this battle and who helped Louise to have hope.”
On stage, Louise recently starred as Madame Morrible in ‘Wicked’, and left when she was forced to withdraw from the production due to her diagnosis.
She made her debut in ‘Mamma Mia!’ back in 1999.
Tap the picture below to slideshow...
RIP: The Celebrities We've Lost In 2016
David Bowie(01 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Andrew H. Walker via Getty Images)
Alan Rickman(02 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Dominique Charriau via Getty Images)
René Angelil(03 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Andreas Rentz via Getty Images)
Terry Wogan(04 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Nicky J Sims via Getty Images)
Abe Vigoda(05 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Dennis Van Tine/ABACA USA)
Dan Haggerty(06 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Imeh Akpanudosen via Getty Images)
Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart(07 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:William Conran/PA Wire)
Colin Vearncombe (aka Black)(08 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
Joe Alaskey(09 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:SGranitz via Getty Images)
Angela 'Big Ang' Raiola(10 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Jason LaVeris via Getty Images)
Harper Lee(11 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rob Carr/AP)
Maurice White(12 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:John Phillips/EMPICS Entertainment)
Vanity (aka. Denise Matthews)(13 of13)
Open Image Modal (credit:Ron Wolfson/Everett/REX Shutterstock)