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'EastEnders' Actor Leslie Grantham Dies Aged 71

'EastEnders' Actor Leslie Grantham Dies Aged 71

The actor had been being monitored by doctors after returning to the UK from Bulgaria

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

EastEnders star Leslie Grantham, best know for his role as 'Dirty Den Watts', has died at the age of 71, according to his representative.

The actor was being monitored by doctors after returning to the UK from Bulgaria, where he had been living since 2013, after splitting with his wife of 31 years, Jane Laurie.

PA

The statement from his representative said: "We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday 15th June 2018.

"His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time, and for there to be no approaches to them for information or comment.

"They will not be making any statements to the media. They also ask that no photographs be taken of them in their grief.

"There will be a private funeral which will be attended by close family and friends only."

PA

He was rushed to hospital earlier this week in a critical condition and apparently he was 'gaunt, frail and grey' according to neighbours and close friends. The nature of his illness was never revealed.

One friend who lived close to Grantham told the MailOnline: "I said to him, 'you alright Les?' He said: 'I'm fine'. He was positive about it all. He didn't have much on him. He was alone."

Shop assistant, Jancy Kar, said Grantham used to buy cigarettes almost everyday from her corner shop but thought he had quit this year.

She said: "He used to buy cigarettes, Davidoff ones. He was not buying every day but very often. I saw him about three or four months ago. I think he's stopped smoking now.

"He was very friendly and talking nicely but he never said anything like 'I'm that guy and I'm famous'".

Anita Dobson and Leslie Grantham, who came to fame as pub landlords Den and Angie Watts.
PA

Grantham shot to fame while playing Den Watts in EastEnders, originally from 1985 to 1989. His character was always central to the BBC soap, and he was in the midst of high profile storylines - including the highest ever rated UK soap episode, according to the Metro.

Viewers saw him get 16-year-old Michelle Fowler pregnant, a scandalous reveal at the time. Den was then supposedly killed off in a shooting by the canal but made a shock return over a decade later.

Fans are now sending messages of condolence on social media. One said: "So sad to hear Leslie Grantham has gone. I so enjoyed his acting talents including his spell as Boyard from #FortBoyard . Very sad day. #RIPDirtyDen"

Another commented: "Dirty Den only lived twice but Leslie Grantham will live forever. RIP"

RIP Leslie Grantham.

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Topics: TV and Film, News, Eastenders