Tributes paid to Irish actor Melanie Clark Pullen, who has died aged 46

Fans, colleagues and friends have been paying tribute to Irish actor, writer and producer Melanie Clark Pullen, following reports of her death this week.

She was widely known on both sides of the Irish Sea for her role as Mary Flaherty, a relative of Pauline Fowler, on Eastenders – featuring in the BBC soap from 1997 to 1999.

Originally hailing from Bray, she had been battling breast cancer in recent years. 18 months after being given the "all clear", however, she posted on her website that the cancer had returned and spread, noting that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Over the course of her career, she also made appearances in The Big Wow Wow, Raw, Ordinary Love, Seacht, and more. In 2006, Pullen directed the acclaimed short film Marion agus an Banphrionsa. In 2018, she produced the 20th anniversary benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.

She also hosted the podcast Strut and Bellow, which featured conversations with other women makers, in the hopes of inspiring and encouraging others.

Eastenders have paid tribute to Pullen on their official social media platforms, stating that their "love and thoughts are with Melanie's family and friends."

We’re deeply saddened to hear that Melanie Clark Pullen has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Melanie’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ThlR1VNb7S

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) April 12, 2022

Maia Dunphy also took to Twitter to share a tribute, describing Pullen as a "funny, beautiful, eccentric, creative Goddess", as well as a "force of nature", and "most importantly, what a Mama."

Our funny, beautiful, eccentric, creative Goddess Melanie Clark Pullen is gone. What a writer you were @StrutandBellow , what a force of nature, & most importantly, what a Mama. Your words and your babies live on. Our love and thoughts are with Simon 😞💔https://t.co/BmAX4hppCE

— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) April 8, 2022

See more tributes to Melanie Clark Pullen below:

Today we honour Melanie Clark Pullen's legacy as a loving daughter, wife, mother, actor, author, artist and previous TGS speaker.

Here is a powerful quote from Melanie in our 2020 arts panel

watch here → https://t.co/zL211cTflO@joolshamilton #RIP 🕊 pic.twitter.com/cfj96JViSv

— The Good Summit (@thegoodsummit) April 8, 2022

We are truly heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of one of our beautiful founding member's MAMS Melaine Clark Pullen, who always lit up the room with her talent and positive light. It was a privilege to spend time in her company. She will be sorely missed 💜 pic.twitter.com/2Fu6llOmKd

— MAM Ireland (@MamIreland) April 9, 2022

How sad to hear we have lost one of the gang. RIP dear Melanie 💕
Remembering happy days @bbceastenders #MelanieClarkPullen pic.twitter.com/JzZUmR6a7j

— ANDREW LYNFORD (@LynfordTweets) April 12, 2022

Thank you for sharing this clip. Love seeing the hugs and laughter we shared together. Such wonderful memories with a sweet lady. RIP #MelanieClarkPullen 💖 https://t.co/Pbc7JsptGm

— Leila Birch (@leilabirch) April 12, 2022