EastEnders actor Jaden Ladega was met with support from soap fans after sharing devastating family news.

The star, who plays troubled teen Denzel Danes, told his Instagram followers that his aunt Marie had passed away.

Posting a photo of her to the platform, Jaden penned: ‘This is hard to put into words.

‘My great Aunty Marie was a true fighter and great women she will be missed deeply by me and all my family she always pushed me to do well and supported me Rest in Peace Aunty Marie.’

Jaden’s EastEnders co-stars comforted him, with his on-screen step-mum Tameka Empson (Kim Fox) writing: ‘Sorry for your loss Jaden. May your Aunt Rest in Peace.

‘She will always be remembered by you and your family and you continue your make her proud. She saw you grow up in to a fine young man. Love to you and your family.’

Jaden’s character Denzel recently developed a dependency on anabolic steroids in EastEnders.

The teen was left feeling self-conscious of his body after a showdown with bully Logan, and then became obsessed with fitness and building his strength.

With his fitness videos attracting attention online, Denzel started collaborating with influencer Ebony – leaving girlfriend Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) less than impressed.

The storyline took a dramatic turn a few weeks ago, when Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) was left hospitalised after taking steroids supplied by Denzel.

The young man was then arrested for giving Nugget the drugs that ultimately resulted in him being rushed to hospital and making him very sick.