Ex-'EastEnders' actress dies

Actress Gretchen Franklin - who played Ethel Skinner in EastEnders - died yesterday at the age of 94.

Gretchen assumed the role of Ethel for 15 years until her character was killed off in a highly emotional and controversial storyline involving an administered overdose of tablets.

The actress dedicated most of her private life to charity and donated any royalties she received from EastEnders repeats.

She once said: “At my age one isn’t buying new fur coats and diamonds. If you get that lot of repeat fees four times a year you can afford to be a bit more generous to other people.???

Several cast members have today paid tribute to the much-loved actress:

June Brown (Dot Branning)

I was hoping to celebrate her birthday last week (7 July) but she wasn't strong enough. Unfortunately she faded away on Monday, so there wasn't time.

She always soldiered on, never complaining. She seemed such an indomitable person; you felt she would go on forever. I will miss her very much.

Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler)

I was upset when June phoned me with the news. My first ever scene on the lot was with Gretchen. It was blizzard conditions and I felt like turning it in there and then, but she kept me going.

She was such a character and made us all laugh. She had amazing vitality even at 80. We always used to get a laugh out of watching her and June work together. Whatever happened, Gretchen always had the last word. She was a great professional and will be very missed.

Pam St Clement (Pat Evans)

I was sad to hear of the death of Gretchen Franklin. I was very fond of her. As an actress she had a rare talent. She moved us to tears in moments of pathos and to laughter with her impeccable comedy timing.

Some of the scenes between her and June Brown are landmarks in the long history of EastEnders.

Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale)

I'll always remember her doing the can-can in the Vic. Gretchen was an absolute acid-wit. She was always brilliant for a quip or two and used to put us younger ones in our place.

I learnt bundles from her. She was a lovely lady and will be greatly missed.