EastEnders star Tameka Empson has revealed that she was asked by an overzealous fan for a selfie at a friend’s funeral as she queued to pay her respects at the coffin.

The persistent fan refused to take no for an answer and hounded the 47-year-old actress outside the church, but Tameka declined.

She made the shock confession during an interview alongside on-screen sister Diane Parish, 55, as they recounted rabid fan encounters.

Tameka, who has played popular character Kim Fox since 2009, told BBC Radio London: ‘I went to a friend’s mother’s funeral. There are sometimes no limits. I don’t know if it is the character that I’m playing.

‘But I’m very respectful. You go to a funeral, it’s not about taking selfies or anything like that.

‘This woman, as we were going down to view the body, she said, “Oh, may I have a picture with you?”

‘I’m like, “Miss, I’m just walking down here”, and then she got me again outside of the church to take a picture and I said, “I just don’t think this is the right place or time”.’

Co-star Diane was so gobsmacked at the story, all she could say was: ‘Gosh!’

Tameka Empson has revealed that she was asked by an overzealous fan for a selfie at a friend’s funeral 

Tameka has played popular Eastenders character Kim Fox since 2009, alongside her on-screen sister Denise, played by Diane Parish

She made the shock confession during an interview alongside on-screen sister Diane Parish

But the enthusiastic fan persisted with requests, and then asked Tameka to sign the funeral brochure.

Tameka said: ‘She wanted me to sign the order of service, and I’m like, “I can’t. I can’t do that.”

‘I think sometimes people lose their minds,’ she said.

Diane added that she had also experienced fan requests in inappropriate settings.

She said: ‘There are days when you go. ‘Oh look, I’m with my kids’ or there are days where ‘I’m at the doctors, I’m in the doctor’s surgery’.

‘Maybe here is not the place,’ she added.

It comes after EastEnders fans were left raging after Denise finally chose between lovers Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati in this month’s 40th anniversary episodes.

Denise, played by Diane, had been embroiled in a long-running love triangle with her ex-husband Jack and Ravi.

Tameka Empson has played Kim Fox in the long-running London soap since 2009

EastEnders fans were left raging after Denise Fox finally chose between lovers Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati in 40th anniversary episode

As part of EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations, viewers were given the chance to vote on to decide Denise’s fate in a first in the show’s history.

During the H๏τly-anticipated live episode, the results of the public vote were finally revealed, but not all fans were happy with Denise’s choice.

As the aftermath of the Queen Vic’s explosion played out on screen, Denise was shown knocking on the door of a house as it was revealed where her heart truly lies.

The door opened to reveal her ex-husband Jack, who she was married to from 2021 until 2024, standing behind the door, looking surprised to see her.

The two then sealed their reunion with a pᴀssionate kiss, however viewers were left divided over the decision, with many expressing disappointment over her decision.

Tameka and Diane are not the first celebrities to have strange interactions with their fan base.

Ryan Reynolds, 48, seems to have had some very awkward encounters with fans since taking on his ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool role, as he revealed that one person asked for a high five even though his ‘dying’ wife was being carried off their plane in a stretcher.

Speaking about the odd moment on The Graham Norton Show, the Canadian star said: ‘I was on a plane with a honeymooning couple and the bride became very ill – not just throwing up ill, but really painting with her internal organs.’

He continued: ‘She was taken off the plane on a stretcher it was so bad. As her new husband followed her out he spotted me and shouted, “ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool. High five!”

‘It was a surreal moment – firstly, I didn’t want to high five him just in case he was infected and secondly, he seemed to have no concern for his dying wife!’

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.