EastEnders star tragically died in a house fire eight years after breaking back
The EastEnders actress' life came to a tragic end while she was inside her London home.
Anna Karen starred as Aunt Sal while Barbara Windsor played Peggy Mitchell(Image: BBC)
Warning: This article contains distressing content.
A much-loved EastEnders star tragically died following a fire at home in Ilford, East London.
Legendary actress Anna Karen was best known for her role as Olive in the sitcom On the Buses, which ran from 1969 to 1973. She also played Aunt Sal in EastEnders, the sister of Barbara Windsor’s Peggy Mitchell.
Anna and Barbara had become close friends after the pair both starred in Carry On Camping in 1969. They reunited in 1996 on the BBC soap, with Anna’s character typically appearing in one or two episodes every so often.
She also appeared on The Rag Trade, The Kenneth Williams Show, Dixon of Dock Green, Goodnight Sweetheart, The Bill, Doctors, and many more.
Anna Karen was famed for playing Olive in the sitcom On the Buses (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Anna was married to actor and comedian Terry Duggan from 1967 until his death in 2008. She had been bed-bound for some years after breaking her back in a fall at home in 2016, but managed to film scenes for Peggy’s death that year.
Tragically, Anne died aged 85 when a fire broke out at her home in Windsor Road, Ilford, shortly after 10.30pm on February 22, 2022.
The fire on the ground floor of the terraced house was brought under control by firefighters within an hour, but sadly, she could not be saved.
At the time, a statement from the London Fire Brigade said: “Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire. Sadly, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“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 Karen was famed for playing Aunt Sal in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
The Metropolitan Police said the circumstances of the fire on Windsor Road did not appear to be suspicious.
Karen’s agent Shane Collins told the PA news agency: “It is a terrible tragedy. I loved Anna. I’ve known her since I was a kid and she’s been the most wonderful lady. I’ve been privileged to look after her as her agent for the last few years.”
Reacting to the news, an EastEnders spokesperson said in 2022: “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.”
