Brother in court over star’s murder

The brother of a former EastEnders’ actress was remanded in custody yesterday accused of her murder.

Gemma McCluskie’s headless and limbless body was discovered floating in Regent’s Canal in Hackney, east London, last week.

Ms McCluskie had been missing for a week after attending the opening of the £650 million Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London.

The 29-year-old was last seen returning to the home in Pelter Street, Hackney, which she shared with her brother, Tony.

No bail application was made when McCluskie, 35, appeared at the Old Bailey in London by video-link from Brixton Prison. He was remanded to a plea and case management hearing on 18 June.

Ms McCluskie played Kerry Skinner in the BBC soap in 2001.Friends searched widely for her and former co-stars Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella appealed on Twitter for help.