East Hampshire has lost one of its leading lights as the showbiz world has paid tribute to a star of stage and screen who settled near Bordon.

Diane Langton has made her final bow as the 77-year-old Only Fools and Horses, Eastenders and Hollyoaks star died last Wednesday.

The Somerset-born thespian was a terrific character both on and off-screen with locals recalling fun chats in shops, hairdressers and pubs in hearing her passing last week.

Passfield Club was an occasional haunt while Brenda Longman of Sooty and Redgrave Theatre fame was quick to pay tribute to her friend and neighbour, calling her “much loved” and a “truly wonderful world class talent”.

Diane first appeared on screen way back in 1959 with an uncredited role as a schoolgirl in Carry On Teacher.

She later achieved fame as Del Boy’s love interest June Snell in Only Fools before landing a recurring role as Bev Williams in Eastenders and Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks.