Jean Costello, who played Rita Doyle on RTÉ soap Fair City for 24 years, has passed away.
Jean's sister Sylvia Murray confirmed the news on Facebook, writing: "All my love. Jean was a lady. At least she's up there now keeping my nanny company, our two angels."
Rita Doyle first arrived in Carrigstown in 1989 with her six children and was married to Bela, who was played by Jimmy Bartley.
Bela was living in England when Fair City first aired and would send money home to Rita and her six children: Helen, Jimmy, Yvonne, Suzanne, Darren and Louise.
Fair City was Jean’s very first professional acting role and she quickly became one of the most recognisable faces and voices on the popular show as viewers followed her troubled relationship with Bela.
When she became ill, the actress, who was Dublin born and bred, left the show in 2013 after she was written out following the on-screen death of her character.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Brigie de Courcy, Executive Producer of Fair City, described Jean’s character as "salt of the earth", adding "Jean was a raw talent and it was very exciting to have her in the show from the very start.
"Rita ran the corner shop and had a troubled life with Bela. Their daughter, Helen, died and her marriage to Bela was on-off over the years - and off quite a bit.
"Bela was off gallivanting with other women but Rita stuck to her guns and decided that this was her man. In later years, she and Bela came back together and were supportive of each other."
In a statement on Saturday, de Courcy added, "Everyone in Fair City is deeply saddened to hear about the sad passing of our former colleague Jean Costello.
"Jean was a stalwart in Fair City when she played the role of Rita Doyle. She entertained the homes of millions of Irish people for over 20 years as she was one of Carrigstown's most loved characters.
"We send our deepest condolences to her family and wide circle of friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
