EastEnders star Anna Karen who played Aunt Sal dies in house fire in east London

EastEnders star Anna Karen has died in a house fire in Ilford, east London.

The actress died in a horrific blaze, as firefighters apprehended the fire on Windsor Road just after 10:30pm.

By the time the fire service had quelled the fire, which was roaring on the ground floor of the terraced house, Anna had already died.

As well as appearing as Aunt Sal in EastEnders, the 85-year-old also played Olive in 70s comedy classic On The Buses.

Anna's family friend told Mail Online: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Sadly, a woman has died following a house fire on Windsor Road in Ilford.

"Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire.

"Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The Brigade was called at 2240 and the fire was under control by 2338. Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation."

Anna moved to London as a 17-year-old. She was born to an Irish father and English mother in Durban, South Africa.

As well as appearing on the nation's television's, Anna was also a star of the stage, appearing in numerous pantomimes across Britain.

January 2017 saw Anna's last appearance on EastEnders.

Aunt Sal's sharp-tongue and her lack of willingness to take any prisoners earned her a spot in EastEnders fan's affections.

Prior to appearing in EastEnders, Anna played the role of Olive in The Rag Trade as well as in two Carry On films - Carry On Camping and Carry On Loving.