Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Hana Carter

Police surround Anna Karen's home after EastEnders star dies in tragic fire

This is the house that actress Anna Karen tragically died in after a fire tore through the east London property.

The 85-year-old was known for her role as Olive in 70s comedy On The Buses and had played Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal in EastEnders.

London Fire Brigade crews arrived at the house shortly after 10.30pm last night to battle the flames.

They managed to get the blaze under control on the ground floor of the terraced house in less than an hour but tragically it was too late to save Anna.

Anna had lived in London since she was 17 and the modest home where she lost her life was in Ilford.

She died in her home in Ilford (Tim Merry)
Anna Karen died on Tuesday 22 in a house fire (FilmMagic)

Anna's family friend spoke to the MailOnline about the tragedy: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: 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.

She was well known for her role in On The Buses and EastEnders (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Anna pictured at good friend Barbara Windsor's funeral (WireImage)

"The Brigade was called at 2240 and the fire was under control by 2338. Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation."

Anna was born Ann McCall in Durban, South Africa to her Irish father and English mother.

After having a passion for acting and performing she moved to London and enrolled at The London School of Dramatic Art.

She returned to Albert Square in January 2017 as the no-nonsense Aunt Sal.

She became a favourite among fans for her quick witted nature.

Anna as Olive in On The Buses (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She played Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal in EastEnders (REX/Shutterstock)

The actress first appeared on EastEnders in 1996 and before that had two roles in two Carry On films - Carry On Camping and Carry On Loving.

Famous friends have shared their shock over Anna's passing, with Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell leading.

"I am desperately sad and shocked to hear of how Anna has passed away," he told MailOnline.

"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.

Barbara Windsor's widower said Anna was one of her only true girlfriends (BBC)

Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .

"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."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.