'Enders grants Womack 'time to grieve'

EastEnders producers are encouraging Samantha Womack to "take off as much time as she needs" to grieve for her father, it has been confirmed.

The actress's dad Noel Janus, 60, was found hanged at his Brighton home on Saturday following a long period of depression.

According to the Daily Star, Womack had been due to film scenes as Ronnie Mitchell on the BBC One show this week but schedules will now be changed due to the tragedy.

A spokeswoman for the programme said: "Our thoughts are with Sam and her family at this terrible time. We want her to take off as much time as she needs."

A show source added: "It came like a bolt out of the blue and everyone feels her pain. The Mitchell family are as close off screen as they are on screen, so they have all been deeply saddened by the news.

"Barbara Windsor and Sam's on screen sister Rita Simons have all been in touch and are doing all they can to help her."

The star's father was believed to be suffering from heart problems before his death.