Hollyoaks legend Diane Langton is best known for playing Nana McQueen in the Channel 4 soap but fans may not know that she took on the role of Cindy Beale’s mum Bev Williams in EastEnders
Hollyoaks star Diane Langton is best known for playing feisty matriarch Nana McQueen.
The 76-year-old actress made her debut in the Channel 4 soap back in 2007 and is still very much part of the family. However, some fans may not be aware that she also played Cindy Beale’s mother, Bev Williams, in rival BBC One soap EastEnders.
From 1998. until 1999, Diane played Bev and the actress previously admitted that she’d be open to returning to Albert Square one day. She told Inside Soap at the time: “They keep mentioning Bev on telly at the moment. She’s meant to be in Devon, which is really weird.I do like watching EastEnders. You know, I haven’t been asked to return to the show, but I guess while the grandchildren are around there’s still a possibility.”
Bev still has connections to Albert Square as she is the mother of Cindy, mother-in-law of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and grandmother of Peter Beale (Thomas Law). However, Diane also confirmed that she is enjoying her time at Hollyoaks more than ever.
She said: “It’s a madhouse for me at the moment! But it’s marvellous to be wanted. It’s better than coming in to scenes and asking people if they want a cup of tea. When Myra left the show, I slipped into her shoes as head of the family. It’s been great.” Diane is set to take centre stage this Christmas after Nana was left to die following a showdown with Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas).
She’s been a mission to talk sense into granddaughter Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) over her affair with village bad boy Warren. Mercedes refused to come clean to beau Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood) and took a leave of absence from the eponymous village to seek advice from her estranged sister Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper).
Nana has been less than pleased with her granddaughter’s actions, scolding her for betraying Felix with his best friend, especially when he’s been struggling with his mental health. Warren, meanwhile, has made it his mission to win Mercedes’ affection, believing that they belong together.
Nana, however, has given him a piece of her mind, warning him to stay away from Mercedes, desperately trying to get the gangster to leave the village. In typical Warren fashion, he refused to listen, with a tense showdown ensuing between the two, with Nana issuing the hard-man with another warning.
Afterwards, Nana headed home but she was unable to get into the house. As a result, she went around the back and left Mercedes a voicemail before taking a funny turn and collapsing in the garden. Warren happened to be passing by when he spotted an unresponsive Nana, racing to her rescue.
Mercedes is summoned and returned to the village, heading straight for the hospital, where tensions run high. Felix also showed up and confronted Mercedes over her disappearing act but things take a shocking turn when she tells him she’s pregnant.
