Leslie Grantham dies aged 71

Actor Leslie Grantham known for playing 'Dirty Den' in Eastenders has died aged 71.

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.

“His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

Grantham shot to fame while playing Watts in EastEnders, originally from 1985 to 1989.

A 1986 Christmas Day episode of the soap drew in an audience of more than 30 million viewers, who watched as Grantham handed over divorce papers to his on-screen wife, Angie.

The character was apparently killed off in 1989 but Grantham made a shock return to Albert Square in 2003.