Acclaimed Actress Jane Whittenshaw, Best Known for Eastenders, Has Passed Away

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, actress Jane Whittenshaw of EastEnders fame passed away. Her most well-known performance was as the social worker Anita Banks.

The statement read, “It is with profound sadness we must announce the passing of Jane Whittenshaw, a much loved and highly respected client of over 30 years. She slipped away peacefully on Saturday last, with her husband Hugh, best friend Rebecca and carers at her side.”

Stanton Davidson Associates also confirmed, “It is with profound sadness we must announce the passing of Jane Whittenshaw, a much loved and highly respected client of over 30 years.”

As well as an esteemed client, Jane was a dear friend, who was generous to a fault and great fun to be around. She was an immensely talented actor and a voice superstar, who leaves an extraordinary legacy of over 500 radio plays…

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— Stanton Davidson Associates (@SDALondon) August 18, 2023

…courtesy of multiple stints on the BBC Radio Rep and many independent productions.

She was a true professional, an absolute joy to work with and loved by all who did so. 

We offer our sincerest condolences to Hugh and the family.

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— Stanton Davidson Associates (@SDALondon) August 18, 2023

The Bill, Silent Witness, Grange Hill, Call the Midwife, The Green Wing, Endeavour, and Call the Midwife all featured Jane Whittenshaw. She last appeared in 2022’s All Four series I Hate You episode.

Whittenshaw performed in roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company in theatre. Additionally, she recorded 400 radio dramas for the BBC Radio Drama Company, of which she was a member.

She has been in numerous television shows, such as Casualty, Twenty-Twelve, Let’s Pretend, Doctors, and others. Movies starring the renowned actor include Invasion, Mrs Dalloway, and Golden Years. The noted actor’s film roles include Invasion, Mrs. Dalloway.