On The Buses Olive star and EastEnders actress Anna Karen killed in horror blaze

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Actress Anna Karen has died aged 85 following a devastating house fire in east London.

The television legend is best known for playing Olive in 70s comedy On The Buses and Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal in EastEnders.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at her mid terrace home in Ilford on Tuesday (February 22) evening.

Neighbours raised the alarm after smoke was spotted coming from Anna's front door.

Sivalai Pavananthakumar told The Sun: "There was a lot of smoke, and flames, people in the street had seen what was happening and came out to try and help.

"The fire brigade and police were here quickly and kicked down the door, there was so much smoke."

Police have confirmed the body of a woman was found with formal identification still to come.

The cause of the fire is under investigation although it is not thought to be suspicious.

London Fire Brigade are looking into the cause of the fire, which damaged the ground floor of the property.

British-South African actress and former model Anna played Olive in the sitcom On the Buses from 1969 until 1973.

She also reprised the role in The Rag Trade from 1977 until 1978 and also had roles in two Carry On films.

Anna was reunited with her Carry On co-star Dame Barbara Windsor when she joined the cast of EastEnders as her on-screen sister.

Although she was never a permanent cast member in the BBC One soap, the actress appeared as Aunt Sal occasionally from 1996 until 2017, usually for only one or two episodes at a time.

In January 2016, Anna had a fall at her home and broke her back, leaving her sofa-bound for eight weeks to recover.

The TV star still filmed scenes for Peggy's death in EastEnders in March the same year.

Anna was seen at Barbara's funeral in January 2021 in a wheelchair.

Fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Anna.

Taking to Twitter, one fan penned: "Absolutely horrible news about Anna Karen. RIP."

Another added: "RIPAnna Karen! Loved her in on the buses. Up there now with friend Barbara Windsor."

A third person posted: "RIP Anna Karen those great memories of Olive in On the Buses and Aunt Sal in Eastenders."

While a fourth social media user said: "So sorry to hear that Anna Karen has died."

Anna's former co-star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, tweeted: "I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best.

"Sleep well lovely Anna. Sending all my love to her family and friends."

Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker posted: "I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, #AnnaKaren has died in a house fire.

"What an horrific way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her – She was an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen."

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