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Daily Mirror
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Rose Hill

Casts of EastEnders, Corrie and 'Allo 'Allo! attend funeral of TV legend Anna Karen

Co-stars and friends of former actress Anna Karen came together today for her funeral in north London.

The former EastEnders and On The Buses star tragically died aged 85 last month in a house fire in Ilford, leaving her family and friends utterly devastated.

Best known for her role as Olive in ITV's comedy series from 1969 to 1975, she is also recognised by fans as Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal in the Walford-based soap.

Among those attending the service in Golders Green were a collection of acting legends and friends in the showbiz industry.

(gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

Fellow EastEnders stars John Altman, Peter Dean and Jamie Borthwick were in attendance, as was Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell.

Model Linda Lusardi and Love Thy Neighbour's Kate Williams were also among the crowd of famous faces saying their goodbye to her.

Tributes poured in for the actress last month following the news of her death.

John Altman attended Anna Karen's service today (gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

Confirming the tragic news, Anna's family friend told the MailOnline: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."

While a London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: "Sadly, a woman has died following a house fire on Windsor Road in Ilford."

Former EastEnders and On The Buses star Anna Karen tragically died in a house fire (GETTY)

Barbara Windsor's widower, Scott Mitchell, led the tributes with a touching statement shared with the MailOnline: "I am desperately sad and shocked to hear of how Anna has passed away.

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

Jamie Borthwick and Scott Mitchell paid their respects (gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

"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.

Model Linda Lusardi attended the service (gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

"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."

Actress Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, was also heartbroken by the news.

Peter Dean, who played Peter Beale in EastEnders in 1984 until 1993, paid his respects (gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

She said: "I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best. Sleep well lovely Anna. Sending all my love to her family and friends."

Cheryl Baker took to Twitter to share her sadness at the news.

Allo Allo's Vicky Mitchelle was also in attendance (gavin rodgers/pixel8000)

She tweeted: "I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, #AnnaKaren has died in a house fire.

"What an horrific way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her - She was an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen."

While Carol Challis, the wife of the late Only Fools and Horses star, John Challis, tweeted: "So sorry to hear that Anna Karen has died.John and I met her often at conventions and she was such a lovely lady. Not fair."

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