EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham dies aged 71

He has passed away

EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham has died aged 71, it has been confirmed. The actor appeared in EastEnders from 1985 to 1989, playing popular character "Dirty Den” in the soap, before later returning to the show in 2003. Earlier this week it was announced that Grantham had returned to the UK from Bulgaria - where he had been starring in a TV show - to receive medical attention. A spokesperson for Grantham's family 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."