TRIBUTES are flooding in after a Southend-based actress, Josephine Melville, has died.

She was appearing in a production of Nine Night in Nottingham on Thursday when she sadly died backstage.

Josephine Melville was born in Essex and appeared in shows such as EastEnders and Casualty.

She also did a lot of work in Southend, including organising the recent very popular East Beach Festival.

READ MORE >> Southend-based ex-EastEnders actress Josephine Melville dies backstage

Josephine was also a member of the committee at the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony in Westcliff, and the founder of the South Essex African Caribbean Association (SEACA) based in Southend.

Kevin Robinson, the mayor of Southend, has pay tribute to Josephine after the “terrible” news.

He said: “Terrible news to hear the sudden death of Josephine Melville.

“Amazing energy for the East Beach festival and an inspiration for the creative arts here in Southend.

“Thoughts are with her family and friends.”

Matt Dent, councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, added she will be very much missed.

He said: “I am shocked and heartbroken.

“Anyone who knew Jo knew her as a force of nature and a wellspring of endless passion and optimism.

“Her efforts organisation the East Beach festival this summer were rewarded with a fantastically successful event, and I was very fortunate to have crossed paths with her in many different community settings.

“We shall not see her like again, and she will be very much missed.”

Aston Line, councillor responsible for the Westborough ward, said Jo was a “true friend”.

He said: “I feel completely broadsided to learn of the sudden and totally unexpected passing of Josephine Melville.

“I have only known Jo for a few years, but she quickly became a true friend.

“Few people are so committed to the preservation and celebration of heritage, art, and culture.

“Residents will know Jo from her work on Hamlet Court Road in Harmony and the East Beach festival, but her contributions go far beyond that.

“Southend has lost a true powerhouse.

“My most sincere condolences are with Jo’s family and loved ones at this exceptionally difficult time.”

All the remaining performance of Nine Night at the venue have been cancelled.