'EastEnders' star Franklin dead at 94

Britain's "EastEnders" star Gretchen Franklin has died at her London home at age 94, it was reported Tuesday.

Franklin, who was known to millions of TV viewers as Ethel Skinner from 1985 to 2000, died Monday -- four days after celebrating her birthday, her agent told The Sun. The cause of death was not given.

"Gretchen Franklin was an extremely talented actress," a show spokesman said. "In her role as Ethel Skinner she created one of soap's best-loved characters. The news of her death has brought great sadness to the cast and crew of EastEnders."

She was married to the late writer Caswell Garth. Plans were being made for a memorial service.

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