EastEnders’ Jim Branning actor John Bardon has died aged 75

EastEnders actress June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, has led the tributes for John Bardon, who played her on-screen husband Jim Branning

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

EastEnders star John Bardon, who played Jim Branning in the hit BBC1 soap, has died aged 75 after a period of ill health.

READ: HOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEF AND SEPARATION

He played the character from 1996 to 2011, and married character Dot Cotton in 2002.

He suffered a stroke in 2007 and was subsequently written out of the soap.

John Bardon with June Brown, who played on-screen wife Dot Cotton

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The official EastEnders blog broke the news, reading: "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.

"Tonight’s episode of EastEnders is dedicated to John, who will be sorely missed by all those who knew and worked with him."

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June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton in the soap, 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.”

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“I’m absolutely gutted,” added Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy. “John was a lovely, lovely man to work with. I’ll miss him”. Other kind words came from Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia. “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.”

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“I’m absolutely gutted,” added Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy. “John was a lovely, lovely man to work with. I’ll miss him”.

Other kind words came from Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia. “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.”

Robert Kazinsky, who played Sean Slater, also paid homage to the late star.

Our thoughts are with John's family and friends.

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