Actor Leonard Fenton, best known for his role as Doctor Harold Legg in BBC's EastEnders, has died aged 95.
He had an acting career that spanned 60 years including on the TV and on stage .
He was best know for appearing on the BBC soap from its inception in 1985 until 1997, returning for brief stints in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2018 until 2019 when his character was killed off.
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His character reached the ripe old age of 98 but lost a health battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving fans heartbroken.
Leonard's grief-stricken family announced a statement which said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.
“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company."
They added: "He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.
"His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him.
"He will be missed beyond words by his family. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times.”
An EastEnders spokesperson added: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Leonard has passed away.
"Since appearing in the very first episode of EastEnders, Leonard created a truly iconic character in Doctor Legg who will always be remembered. Our love and thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends.”
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