Image source, Getty Images Image caption,

Hammond also starred in the long-running C4 sitcom Desmond's

Mona Hammond, the former EastEnders star and champion of black theatre acting talent, has died aged 91.

The Jamaican-British actress was best known for playing the matriarch Blossom Jackson on the soap from 1994 to 1997, briefly reprising her role in 2010.

An EastEnders spokeswoman said they were "deeply saddened" at the news.

"Mona created a no-nonsense grandmother in Blossom Jackson, who was adored by the audience and everyone who worked with her," a spokeswoman said.

We are deeply saddened to hear that Mona Hammond has passed away. Mona created a no-nonsense grandmother in Blossom Jackson who was adored by the audience and everyone who worked with her. Our love and thoughts are with Mona’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/FP5FdtIs1o

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 5, 2022

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News of her death was announced on Twitter by Marcus Ryder, chair of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), where Hammond studied in the 1960s.