Melanie Clark Pullen dead aged 46: EastEnders star who played Pauline Fowler’s niece dies after battling cancer

ACTOR Melanie Clark Pullen has sadly died at the age of 46.

The EastEnders star who played Pauline Fowler’s niece has died after a cancer battle.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2019 – and sadly died on March 29 this year after rounds of radiotherapy.

The actor levels behind her husband Simon and three children.

In 2020, she was given the all-clear, telling The Irish News: “I got the all clear. I’m cancer free, which is great, so now it’s all about recovery.”

But she sadly revealed last June that she had developed a brain tumour.

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She kept her fans up to date with her treatment on social media – and in her last post on March 14 she was seen smiling happily as she visited her family.

On EastEnders, the actor played Mary Flaherty, who was the long-lost great-niece of Pauline Fowler.

Melanie also featured in many period dramas – including Catherine Cookson’s A Dinner Full of Herbs on ITV.

She also played a doctor in the film Ordinary Love – which starred Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville.

Tributes poured in for the actor following her tragic death.

Broadcaster Maia Dunphy wrote: “Our funny, beautiful, eccentric, creative Goddess Melanie Clark Pullen is gone. What a force of nature, & most importantly, what a Mama.

“Your words and your babies live on. Our love and thoughts are with Simon.”

Walford Web, an online forum for EastEnders’ discussions, wrote: “Sad to hear that Melanie Clark Pullen, who played Mary Flaherty in EastEnders, has died aged 46. RIP.”