Actress collapses on a night out

One of the stars of BBC comedy Soft Border Patrol has died after at the age of 36, after collapsing in a bar.

Julie Maxwell, who played Charlene Dunn in the show, fell unconscious during a night out with friends in Belfast on Saturday.

Her agent Philip Young from Independent Agency said the ‘absolutely terrible’ news came as a big shock.

‘It's really hard for us all at the minute. The acting community in Northern Ireland is a close-knit crowd and we are all in shock. This is just a tragedy, she was so brilliant.

‘She was a force of nature that brought happiness and laughter to everyone both on and off stage.’

Mr Young also offered condolences to her husband Rhodri Lewis, a fellow actor.

Maxwell played Charlene Dunn in Soft Border Patrol a member of the coastal team guarding the frontier between Northern Ireland and the Republic, post-Brexit.

Tributes have been paid online, with fellow actor Richard Clements posting: ‘Utterly broken by the news of Julie Maxwell’s passing. So many happy memories of a wonderful actor and friend. Gonna miss you x’

And Selina Cartmell, artistic director of The Gate theatre in Dublin said: ‘I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Julie Maxwell's passing. She was a very gifted actress who brought unrivalled energy into the rehearsal room.’

Published: 26 Aug 2019