Former EastEnders star Bonnie Langford has announced the death of her mother Babette in a touching tribute.
On Tuesday (January 8), the actress, who is best known for her role as Walford’s Carmel Kazemi, took to Instagram to share the tragic news online.
Babette ran a musical theatre school for more than 40 years and was awarded and Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal in 2019 Queen’s New Years Honours List for services to Children in Stage Dance and Theatre in London.
Sharing a snap of her late mother with her medal in hand she captioned the post: “My amazing mother has left us. - Babette Langford – 1930-2024 – A force of nature, inspiring and so loved.”
Bonnie also shared a link to a special memory page, where friends and family could share memories and make a donation to charity in her name.
After sharing the tragic news with her followers, Bonnie received many messages of condolences from the cast of EastEnders which she starred in from 2015 to 2018.
Current Queen Vic landlady Elaine Peacock, played by Harriet Thorpe, penned: “Thinking of you darling and sending all love to you and your family.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips added: “So sorry to hear this. She was an enigma. Bless her. May She Rest in Peace.” Actor John Barowman added: “So sorry to hear about your mum Bonnie. Much love to you and your family.”
It comes after the Doctor Who star recently opened up about channelling her fellow EastEnders icons for her role in the Les Misérables arena tour.
The fiery redhead landed the role of Madame Thenardier last year in the hit musical which is touring the globe and is set to see the cast perform in 15 countries over the next 12 months.
Speaking to Radio Times, the actress admitted that she’s “relishing” playing a villain for once. She told the outlet: “The truth is it’s a lot more fun playing a nasty person, and they’re rather outrageous.
“I call them cockroach people because they’re always there, they survive no matter what. The only thing I can compare her to is someone from EastEnders.
“I do channel my inner Peggy Mitchell, because she’s not afraid to say anything. Or I suppose I should say my inner Carmel. Although Carmel was slightly nicer than that, but she’s definitely said a few things she shouldn’t have – as do we all!”
