EastEnders and Grange Hill star Jane Whittenshaw dies as devastated friends pay tribute
EastEnders actress Jane Whittenshaw has passed away.
Best known for playing the role of social worker Anita Banks in the BBC soap opera, the star also appeared in The Bill, Grange Hill and Call the Midwife.
A statement from her agent confirmed the sad news that Jane had passed away “peacefully” last Saturday with her husband, best friend and carers by her side.
It read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jane Whittenshaw, a much loved and highly respected client of over 30 years.
“She passed away peacefully last Saturday with her husband Hugh, best friend Rebecca and carers by her side.
Heartbreaking: EastEnders and Grange Hill star Jane Whittenshaw has passed away
Actress: The star, who is best known for playing the role of social worker Anita Banks in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (pictured in the show), also appeared in The Bill, Grange Hill and Call the Midwife
Devastating: A statement from her agent confirmed the sad news that Jane passed away ‘peacefully’ last Saturday with her husband, best friend and carers by her side
They continued, “Jane was not only a valued customer, but also a dear friend, who was generous to an extent and very nice to be around.
‘She was a hugely talented actor and voice superstar, leaving an extraordinary legacy of over 500 radio plays, courtesy of multiple stints on the BBC Radio Rep and many independent productions.
“She was a true professional, an absolute pleasure to work with and loved by all who did.”
Stanton Davidson Associates agency signed off by saying, “We offer our sincere condolences to Hugh and the family.”
Following the news of her death, fans couldn’t hide their heartbreak as they took to Twitter to pay their respects.
One of them said, ‘I’m sorry to hear this sad news. I send you love and her family and friends.’
Another then shared a video of Jane performing for Stephen Sondheim, writing, “Jane Whittenshaw has passed away. We knew she was good. But how many of us knew she was that good? She is the second person to sing here. And Mr. Sondheim is impressed and very pleased.’
Fellow soap opera actress Lorelei King wrote, “So sorry to hear of Jane Whittenshaw’s death. She was great to work with, and so talented. I’m glad Jack posted this – one of my favorite pieces of her work’
The statement read: ‘She passed away peacefully last Saturday, with her husband Hugh, best friend Rebecca and carers by her side’
Fellow soap opera actress Lorelei King wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear of Jane Whittenshaw’s death. She was great to work with, and so talented. I’m glad Jack posted this – one of my favorite pieces of her work’
Jane made her first appearance as Anita on EastEnders on 10 June 1997 after Mark and Ruth Fowler signed up for a foster child.
Their application was successful and Anita arranged for the couple to nurse their first child, Jessie Moore.
She next appeared in Silent Witness and Endeavour, before landing her final role in Channel 4 comedy series I Hate You in 2022.
She starred in only one episode of the popular series.
Career: She next appeared in Silent Witness and Endeavour, before landing her last role in Channel 4 comedy series I Hate You in 2022 (pictured in Call The Midwife)
