Eastenders fans are in mourning as actor Leonard Fenton, who played the much loved Doctor Harold Legg, has died aged 95.
Dr. Legg left the soap in 2019 after his character was killed off but he was one of the soap originals from 1985 until 1997, and also returned briefly in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2018.
As the Albert Square medic he was in 267 episodes of the BBC show.
His family issued a statement abut his passing saying: “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.
"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.”
EastEnders also stated: “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.”
Dr. Legg's character was 98 and died on the series from pancreatic cancer.
Before his onscreen death, Dr Legg spent time on screen with Dot Cotton who played a DVD documentary of The Battle of Cable Street, a protest in London's East End, which the character had been involved in, back in 1936.
Following the scene which aired three years ago, one fan said: "I've watched EastEnders since 1999 and it's only made me cry once. Tonight is the second time. I couldn't help it. So terribly sad, but it was done to perfection. Bravo."
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