Only Fools And Horses star Diane Langton’s iconic Del Boy paternity chaos clip is unearthed after her death aged 77

Diane Langton’s iconic appearance in Only Fools And Horses has been unearthed after she died aged 77.

The Hollyoaks star was still working as an actor until her death on Wednesday morning. The cause is unknown.

Diane played June Snell in two episodes of Only Fools in 1985 and 1986, where she was involved in a hilarious storyline as one of Del Boy’s many girlfriends.

In the storyline, Del Boy (David Jason) was convinced that June’s daughter Debbie was biologically his.

In a resurfaced clip, Del Boy confronts June with his paternity suspicions amid fears of incest, while his brother Rodney begins a romance with Debbie.

But Del Boy’s concerns are quickly put to rest when she reveals he isn’t the father – only for her to drop the bombshell that Debbie is actually his late best friend’s daughter after he and June had an affair.

The clip opens with Del Boy and June entering his apartment as he says, “Come on June, things need to be discussed?”

“What kind of things?” June asks before Del Boy responds, “Well Juney, I know.”

“That’s what you said last night,” June says, assuming he means he knows about the affair.

Del Boy closes the door to his apartment and continues, “Are you going to tell her or should I?”

“Tell her what?” June asks confused, before Del Boy adds, “Oh come on Jude, don’t play innocent with me. Tell her I’m her father.’

“You’re her… Oh Del,” June says, shaking her head. “When you said you knew, I thought you knew. I thought you really knew. Debbie is not your child.”

The popular actress, whose career in TV and film spanned more than six decades, died shortly after returning to Hollyoaks for a third time, it was announced on Wednesday.

Her agent released a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying, “I am sorry to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.

‘Diane had a rich and distinguished career with appearances on stage, film and television, including playing the iconic Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present.

He added: ‘Diane trained at Corona Academy and began her professional career as a dancer, touring with ballet companies throughout Europe, followed by performances at That Was the Week That Was and The London Palladium.’

Diane enjoyed a prolific career before endearing herself to a younger generation of fans as Nana in Channel 4’s teen soap Hollyoaks.

The actress made her first appearance as the brash, pink-rinsed matriarch in 2007 and enjoyed a two-year stint on the show before leaving in 2009.

She eventually reprized her role in 2012, before leaving for a second time in 2023, returning in 2024.

Born in Somerset, the actress started her career as a dancer before cutting her teeth as an actress on stage and screen.

She made her film debut alongside British acting greats Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Williams in the 1959 classic Carry On Teacher, with an uncredited role as a schoolgirl.

More prominent roles would come in the British comedy Percy’s Progress, the hit sitcom The Rag Trade and the sex farce Confessions Of A Pop Performer as she established herself in the 1970s.

Diane would also return to the Carry On franchise with roles in the 1975 release of Carry On Laughing and Carry On England – released in 1976.

Other memorable TV appearances included six episodes of the long-running ITV drama Heartbeat, in which she played Ruby Rowan, and EastEnders.

Fans of the BBC soap will remember Diane as Bev Williams, Cindy Beale’s mother, between 1998 and ’99.

Actress Elaine Paige was among those paying tribute to Langton on X today, having previously worked with her on stage.

She wrote: ‘Totally shocked by the passing of Diane Langton. Memories of us in Hair come back. She in the dressing room with a bottle of brown beer! We also recorded an LP [called] Sparrow.

“She was a unique, talented artist. A funny, friendly and special friend. My thoughts with husband, Derek.’

The Only Fools And Horses She was 77. Our thoughts are with her husband Derek and her family and friends.”

Fans also wrote kind messages that read: “Glad to hear of Diane Langton’s passing. Hollyoaks won’t be quite the same without absolute star Nana McQueen.’

Another wrote: ‘I can’t believe Diane Langton has passed away. Nana McQueen will forever be one of my favorite characters. Thanks for the years of sass and laughter! #Hollyoaks.’

A third said: ‘I’m heartbroken. Diane Langton, you have brought me so much joy, she has made me laugh so many times over the years and she will always be a legend. This is truly devastating. TEAR.’

Diane also enjoyed a long stage career with numerous West End roles including Hair, Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar and Mary Poppins.

Discusses her role in A Chorus Line with Broadway buzz in 2011, she said, “The original Broadway company came and did six months, and I immediately took over as Morales, singing Nothing and What I Did For Love.

“At the time, they hadn’t cast Morales because they couldn’t find anyone who could sing those songs and also dance, and I auditioned and auditioned.

‘They asked me to lose weight, which I did a lot! I had to lose four stone (56 pounds). I was on A Chorus Line for a year, then I left to do a TV show and came back to do the last six months.

“They asked me to come back and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I would have taken their arm off to do it! I loved the show so much.”

Reflecting on her lifelong passion for theatre, she added: ‘I’m compelled! I know such a word doesn’t exist, but that describes what I am.

“My son says to me, ‘Why don’t you retire?’ and I say, ‘On what?’ I would go crazy. If I don’t work, after two weeks I’m a nightmare.’