On The Buses and Eastenders actress dies in London house fire

Anna Karen, the last surviving star of the hit ITV sitcom On The Buses, has died following a house fire at the age of 85.

The actress, who played Olive Rudge in the programme from 1969 to 1973, died in east London on Tuesday night.

Karen was also known for her role as Aunt Sal in Eastenders and appeared in some of the Carry On films.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they were called at 10.40pm and the fire was under control by 11.38pm.

"Sadly, a woman has died following a house fire on Windsor Road in Ilford.

"Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire. Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene," LFB said.

In total three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Metropolitan Police said formal identification is still to take place, adding:

"The cause of the fire is under investigation, though early indications suggest it is not suspicious."

An EastEnders spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away.

"Anna created a sharp, quick-witted and extremely popular character in Aunt Sal that the audience will never forget, just as those who worked with her at EastEnders will never forget her warmth, kindness fun and good humour.

"Our love and thoughts are with Anna's family and friends."

Scott Mitchell, husband of the late Dame Barbara said he is "desperately sad and shocked" to hear about Karen's death.

He said: "Barbara and Anna were lifelong friends and Anna was always what I considered to be Barbara's only real girlfriend.

"Anna had seen Barbara go through every stage of her life and their late night phone calls together before Barbara's illness, will always be a fond memory for me of hearing them put the world to rights.

"Anna and I had kept in regular contact since Barbara's passing and she was a good friend and support to me when things were tough and we spoke a couple of weeks ago.

"It was a fun chat and I thought how upbeat she sounded. We always shared memories and jokes about Barbara.

"Anna was one of three I asked to speak at Barbara's funeral. I will remember her straight talking, great humour and intelligence. May she rest in peace."

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