A FORMER actress from Kent who earned many fans in her role in the BBC soap EastEnders has died.

Hilda Braid, from Northfleet, played the character of Nana Moon in the programme. She was 78.

She died peacefully at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton after a period of ill health.

A spokesman for EastEnders said she was a “much-loved" member of the cast.

He added: "We at EastEnders are very sorry to learn that Hilda has passed away. She was a lovely actress who brought her great humour and wit to the role of Nana Moon."