EastEnders’ Jim Branning actor John Bardon has died aged 75
Courtesy of Emmeline Saunders http://www.heatworld.com/Celeb-News/2014/09/EastEnders-Jim-Branning-actor-John-Bardon-has-died-aged-75/
EastEnders star John Bardon, who played Jim Branning in the hit BBC1 soap, has died aged 75 after a period of ill health.
The show's press team announced the sad news via a blog post, in which they paid tribute to the talented actor.
"It is with great sadness that we report the death of much-loved actor John Bardon, who played Dot's husband, Jim Branning, from 1996 to 2011. He was 75," it said.
"Everyone at EastEnders is absolutely heartbroken to learn that John has sadly passed away. His bravery, dignity and courage in battling against the devastating effects of his stroke were admired by all who had the privilege of working with him.
"Loved by us all, John was an exceptionally talented actor whose humour, mischievousness and brilliant performances made Jim Branning one of Walford's most loveable, memorable characters and we will miss John forever.
"Our love and deepest sympathies are extended to Enda, his truly wonderful wife, at this very sad time. May he now rest in peace."
It added that tonight's episode to EastEnders will be dedicated to John, who will be "sorely missed by all those who knew and worked with him".
John first made his appearance as Jim in 1996 before returning as a full-time character in 1999. The much-loved Jim went on to fall in love and marry Dot Cotton in 2002.
But in 2007 John suffered a serious stroke that hospitalised him, and it took six months for him to relearn how to walk. He was due to return to the Square in summer 2008 but poor health forced him to postpone his plans. Eventually he came back to the soap in 2011 and filmed his last scenes as Jim waiting to go into a nursing home.
June Brown, who played his onscreen wife Dot, said: "I am so sorry that John has passed away but hope that he is now at peace after seven difficult years.
"I shall miss him very much as I loved him dearly. My thoughts are with his devoted wife, Enda."
Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia, also paid tribute to the late actor, saying: "I never had a real granddad so John was like an actual granddad to me. He was a lovely man and I learnt a lot from him."
As well as making a name for himself as Dot's husband on the show, John also starred in Rumpole of the Bailey, Only Fools and Horses and Dad's Army. He won the Laurence Olivier Award in 1988 for his work in the stage musical Kiss Me, Kate.
Our thoughts are with John's family and friends.
