Anna Karen, who found fame as Olive in 1970s sitcom On The Buses, has died. She was 85.

Reports say that Karen, who more recently appeared in Eastenders died in a house fire at her home in east London. 

A London Fire Brigade statement said: "Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire. Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene."

In Eastenders Karen played Aunt Sal, the sister of Peggy Mitchell, but to a generation of sitcom fans she willalways be dowdy Olive, married but still living at home with her mother.

Barabara Windsor's husband Scott Mitchell said: "Barbara and Anna were lifelong friends and Anna was always what I considered to be Barbara's only real girlfriend.

"Anna and I had kept in regular contact since Barbara's passing and she was a good friend and support to me when things were tough and we spoke a couple of weeks ago.

"Anna was one of three I asked to speak at Barbara's funeral. I will remember her straight talking, great humour and intelligence. May she rest in peace."