EastEnders cast members come together for the funeral of ‘Olive’ from On the Buses star Anna Karen
Stars’ farewell to ‘Olive’ from On the Buses: Casts of EastEnders, Coronation Street and ‘Allo ‘Allo! lead mourners paying tribute to actress Anna Karen who died aged 85 in a house fire
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A string of television stars have paid their respects to actress Anna Karen at her funeral in north London today.
The Eastenders and On The Buses star died at the age of 85 in a house fire in Ilford, east London on February 22.
She was best known for her roles as ‘Olive’ in On The Buses and Aunt Sal, the sister of Peggy Mitchell – played by Barbara Windsor – in Eastenders.
Fellow stars of the stage and screen were seen arriving to a crematorium in Golders Green for a service on Friday.
John Altman, best known as Nasty Nick from Eastenders, arrives to funeral of Anna Karen in London
Model Linda Lusardi with husband Sam Kane arriving to Ms Karen’s funeral
Ms Karen’s funeral procession makes its way through Golders Green in north-west London on Friday
Model Linda Lusardi at the funeral of Anna Karen in Golders Green on Friday
Kate Williams from Love Thy Neighbour was among the scores of stars saying goodbye to Ms Karen
Eastenders star Peter Dean arrives at a crematorium in Golders Green to pay respects to the late Anna Karen
Melvyn Hayes of It Ain’t Half Hot Mum fame dons a navy shirt and black tie to say goodbye to Anna Karen
Vicky Michelle of Allo Allo fame arrives at service for Anna Karen, who died in a fire in February
Ms Michelle joined a host of stars to remember the life of Ms Karen
A casket is carried into the funeral service for Ms Karen in Golders Green
Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders with Scott Mitchell, both donning dark suits to pay their respects to Ms Karen
Anna Karen made her name in On The Bus, which centred on the Number 11 bus, at the Luxton and District Motor Traction Company
Tributes flooded in for the star following the tragic fire on February 22, including from Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker, who described her as ‘an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen’.
She boasted a bulging CV of acting credits, including appearances in the Carry On films and a string of pantomimes – but she will be fondly remembered for her role as Olive in 70s comedy On The Buses.
Ms Karen also starred as Aunt Sal, sister of Peggy Mitchell, in EastEnders for which she was best known – an on-and-off part spanning more than 20 years.
She was married to fellow comedic actor Terry Duggan, who also appeared in On The Buses as Nobby, while also featuring in the likes of Only Fools and Horses and Are You Being Served? He died in 2008 aged 76.
A family friend said following the fire: ‘We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna.’
Neighbours revealed that Anna lived alone in the three bedroom property and was confined to the ground floor as she was disabled and used a wheelchair.
The former actress was being looked after by carers who visited four times per day.
Eastenders cast members and Vicky Michelle gather ahead of a service for Ms Karen
Nigel Pivaro who played Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street looks pensive as he says goodbye to Ms Karen
Tributes flooded in for the star following the tragic fire on February 22, including from Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker, who described her as ‘an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen’. (Pictured: A letter tribute spells out ‘Anna’)
Ms Karen boasted a bulging CV of acting credits, including appearances in the Carry On films and a string of pantomimes. (Pictured: Floral tribute at her funeral on Friday)
Ms Karen was married to the late fellow comedic actor Terry Duggan, who also appeared in On The Buses as Nobby (Pictured: Vicky Michelle and stars arriving to Ms Karen’s funeral)
Nasty Nick Cotton – real name John Altman – dons a face mask as he prepares to enter service for Ms Karen on Friday
Heartfelt note from the Eastenders cast reads: ‘You will be remembered by us all with love and respect’
In the immediate aftermath of her death, singer Cheryl Baker led the tributes on social media, tweeting: ‘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.’
EastEnders star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in the soap, added: ‘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.’
Carol Challis, wife of Only Fools and Horses star John, said: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, her agent Shane Collins added: ‘We’re so sad about what happened to Anna. She was such a lovely lady and a great comedian.
‘The only comfort is she will be happy to be reunited with her husband Terry Duggan and her best pal Barbara Windsor.’
And an EastEnders spokeswoman 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.’
