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EastEnders icon Elizabeth Kelly has sadly died on Christmas Day at the age of 104 after a glittering 40-year career on the small screen. The soap star rose to fame for playing Nellie Ellis, the nosy neighbour and relative of Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap from 1993 to 2000.

Her funeral will take place at St Peter's Church in Scarborough on February 17. She is survived by her daughter and son, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following her passing, the priest at St Peter's Church, Father Eddie Gubbins, told The Sun: "She was a very strong lady and had a beautiful voice. She had a very peaceful death in the end. She was a beautiful lady and very gracious."

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Kelly landed her first major TV role back in 1971 when she was 50 years old. She was cast as the penny-pinching Eddie Burgess in an episode of the rival soap, Coronation Street.

This was the TV star's breakout role, quickly becoming a familiar face in various British soaps such as Home and Away, Grange Hill, Emmerdale, Heartbeat, The Bill, and most notably, EastEnders. Between 1993 and 2000, she starred in 138 episodes of the London soap, becoming an Albert Square staple.

After leaving Albert Square in 2000, she landed a role in the cult indie film, 24 Hour Party People, two years later, where she shared the screen with Steve Coogan.

The actress retired from acting in 2007 after her last performance in The Royal, and reportedly spent her final years with her family in North Yorkshire before transitioning to a care home.

Her passing comes after EastEnders legend Derek Martin, who died at the age of 92, died just days before his son. David Rapp was the son of the actor, who found fame as Charlie Slater in the BBC soap.

BBB Agency confirmed his death in a social media post, which read: "Devastating news today. Just after losing his father, David also passed away. The gentle giant whose heart was a big as he was. I couldn't have wished for a better friend or workmate. Rest in peace, David Rapp, you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same."

David worked for a talent agency that represents various TV stars, models, and musicians in Scotland. One week earlier, the BBB social account paid tribute to David's father, Derek, with a heartfelt post.

It read: "Condolences to our David in the passing of his Dad Derek. David will be taking a little time out just now. Sending love and prayers from the entire BBB Family." No cause of death has yet been made public for David.