Actor Leslie Grantham, who played 'Dirty' Den Watts in EastEnders, has died aged 71.
Grantham, who grew up on a council estate in St Mary Cray, died today shortly after it was reported he was seriously ill.
A statement from his representative said: "We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday 15 June 2018.
"There will be a private funeral which will be attended by close family and friends only."
Grantham's death comes days after he was reported to be in a critical condition in the UK having returned from Bulgaria, where he had been living.
According to The Sun, the screen star had been visited in hospital by close friends in the industry.
He left the UK after splitting with his wife of 31 years, Jane. In 2010, he spent time in Bulgaria filming TV series The English Neighbour.
Grantham shot to fame playing Watts in EastEnders, originally from 1985 to 1989.
A 1986 Christmas Day episode drew an audience of more than 30 million viewers, who watched as Watts handed over divorce papers to on-screen wife Angie.
His character was apparently killed off in 1989 but made a shock return to Albert Square in 2003.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel