EastEnders star Nicky Henson dies after 20 year cancer battle

He also starred in Fawlty Towers

nicky henson

by Eden-Olivia Lord |
Updated on

Former EastEnders star Nicky Henson has passed away at the age of 74 following a 20-year battle with cancer.

Confirming the sad news, his friend Ian Oglivy, wrote on Facebook, "After an illness which started twenty years ago, and which was born with great fortitude and good humour, my oldest and dearest friend, my mate Nicky Henson, has gone."

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Nicky played Honey Mitchell's dad in EastEnders ©BBC

Last year, Nicky spoke about his terminal illness and told the Mirror, "I've been fighting cancer for 18 years now so it’s just part of my life. Whatever happens, happens.

"It’s not so much fighting it, it’s keeping a sense of humour."

Check out: EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers

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EastEnders EXPLOSIVE Christmas and New Yearu2019s spoilers 2019 slider

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The week begins with Phil Mitchell growing closer and closer to uncovering the truth. While he continues to do some digging, by asking people who could help confirm his suspicions, Sharon and Keanu are completely oblivious.

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Phil isn't coping well but Ben Mitchell manages to reassure him that they'll discover the truth sooner rather than later.

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On Christmas Eve, Kathy Beale throws a party for Louise Mitchell and Keanu arriving back in Walford with baby Peggy.

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The Mitchells and Beales all gather together ready to celebrate Christmas but they're unaware that Phil has uncovered the truth and all hell is about to break loose.

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On Christmas Day, Sharon and Keanu's baby secret is finally uncovered and while Phil puts his revenge plan into action, Sharon and Keanu have no idea that their time is up.

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The following day, the events weigh heavy in Walford and more than one family is left ripped apart. As a result of the bombshell finally being exposed, Sharon and Keanu's worlds are left shattered.

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But the big question is – how far has Phil gone with his revenge scheme? Days later - on New Year's Eve – the dramatic events leave Karen Taylor worried, while Louise Mitchell struggles to cope with her conscience…

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Over to Chantelle and Gray, the couple prepare to renew their vows on Boxing Day but their plans are ruined when the venue cancels at the last minute.

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Chantelle is devastated and opens up to Gray and it's not long until his anger begins to build… When Karen arrives, Chantelle is quick to get rid of her mum.

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Chantelle is then filled with doubt and scuppers the renewal… Mitch picks up on Chantelle's relief at the turn of the events and when he questions her, she's quick to shut down his doubts.

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Later Karen urges Mitch to get on with his son-in-law… The next day Gray apologises to Chantelle for overreaching but Karen puts her foot in it when she confesses that Chantelle was stressed about the renewal.

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An annoyed Gray arranges lunch and subtly asks Chantelle about their vows but when he spots how unenthusiastic she is, he hatches a plan.

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When they return home, Chantelle is stunned that all the Taylors have set up a make-shift vow renewal. Mitch senses something is not right with his daughter but Chantelle continues to hide how she really feels.

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Chantelle thanks her mum for sorting everything out but she's stunned when Karen admits Gray is behind it. Thing get worse for Chantelle when Gray surprises her with a 'honeymoon'…

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Once again Mitch picks up on the tension between Chantelle and Gray as they head off their 'honeymoon'...

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On New Year's Eve, everyone prepares to celebrate and Karen decides to throw a party in Chantelle's house that will rival Ruby's extravagant 80s party at the club.

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At the Atkins' house the party is in full swing but Honey is far from in the mood and when Billy spots his ex-wife he checks in to see if she's okay. However he's unprepared when she leans in for a kiss…

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Over at Ruby's party, Max struggles with her approach to their relationship. He decides to pretend he's been invited to another party by a woman – what will she say?

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On New Year's Day following the shocking turn of events that's recently unfolded, Karen fails to get the answers she needs.

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As the Carter family prepare for Christmas, Linda defends herself to hubby Mick and promises she'll cut back drinking in the New Year.

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Pleased that his wife is making an effort, Mick reveals he's got a Christmas surprise lined up… On Christmas Eve, Linda goes all out for the 'Ball and Change' winners dinner but is embarrassed when she realises Ruby was joking about dressing up.

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The dinner takes a turn for the worse and after Linda continues to drink she shares some harsh words with Ruby. Following the disastrous dinner, Mick pours Linda's wine down the sink but she explodes in fury.

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A drunken Linda slams her husband but she's left horrified when Ollie overhears the commotion. Feeling ashamed she isolates herself and ends up drinking alone in the Square gardens.

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She then falls asleep in the Square gardens and is completely unaware that Mick's surprise has arrived – their son Lee.

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On Christmas Day, Linda hits rock bottom and the rest of the family are left stressed when they can't find her. However Mick is determined to have a good Christmas and glosses over everyone's concerns by getting himself in the festive spirit.

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However it later becomes clear that he's secretly been worrying about Linda's whereabouts when he has a panic attack…

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On New Year's Eve, Linda continues to lie to her family about what really happen on Christmas – leaving Mick feeling helpless. As Linda continues to hide her secret she decides to go to Karen's party and ends up drinking far too much.

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Things spiral out of control and even though everyone has urged her to stop drinking, Linda ignores them all. She's then left in a desperate situation…

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The next day, Linda wakes up extremely hungover and a furious Mick demands to know what's happened. She's quick to try and defend herself but ends up throwing up.

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Linda finally gets a wake-up call when Mick mentions something she did on New Year, she promises she'll be sober for January.

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The festive period doesn't start well for Martin; he plans another job with Tubbs but then discovers Bex's car isn't working and decides to make Ben resolve the problem.

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A suspicious Sonia wants to know what's going on, but Martin is keen to meet Tubbs and pushes her out of the way. Soon after Bex tries to thank her dad but he dismisses her.

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Bex then opens up to Sonia and blames herself for Martin's behaviour… Meanwhile following their latest job, a disaster strikes for Martin and Tubbs.

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On Christmas Eve, Martin is haunted by the event that occurred the previous night. He meets Tubbs but he urges him to get rid of the van and keep quiet…

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Martin asks Ben for help but fails and he finally decides to confide in Sonia however she's left speechless at his revelation. On Christmas Day, Martin tries to flee but is caught by Sonia.

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Sonia slams Martin for being selfish but they're interrupted by Dot Cotton who calls everyone to open their presents.

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Dot is then alerted by her bank who reveal someone tried to withdraw thousands from her back account. Dotty is quick to blame Martin but he has bigger concerns going on and promises Bex he's not going anywhere.

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Later on Martin is concerned when Sonia reveals he's been talking in his sleep – but what has he been saying?

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Sheree babysits Amy Branning but the little one picks up on her shifty behaviour, and notices when she takes a call from 'Isaac'.

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Amy informs Denise about what happened at the salon and she's left feeling intrigued. Denise is determined to catch Sheree out and her suspicions are heightened when Sheree arrives at their Christmas dinner.

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While Patrick has a surprise dinner guest, Sheree catches Denise snooping through her phone. Even though she's been caught Denise quickly turns it on Sheree and demands to know who 'Isaac' is. Denise then demands Sheree leave.

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On Boxing Day, Patrick is worried about Sheree's whereabouts and when Denise drops a bombshell he kicks her out of the house.

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Patrick ignores both Jack and Denise in the café and when Lola spots the altercation she decides to step in and offer Patrick some advice.

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Vinny and Jags up their ante to get the Slaters out of their house… On Christmas Day, Kat, Mo and Kush overhear Jean leaving a message for Daniel.

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Kat decides to take matters into her own hands to rescue Christmas and tells the rest of the family that they've got an invite to Kathy's.

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However Kat is unaware that Kheerat has overheard all of their problems… Things get even worse for the Slaters when they receive three separate invites for Christmas Day.

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Kheerat tells his brothers about the Slater situation and when he discovers what they're up to he orders them to sort it out.

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Later the Slaters return home and find the Panesar brothers waiting. Things threaten to get out of hand but then the Slaters are left stunned by the Panesars news.

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On New Year's Day, Kat and Mo are left confused by Jean's sudden good mood. Meanwhile Honey reveals Adam Bateman has been in touch about new tenants but when Ash discovers it the Panesar brothers she's left stunned.

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Ash is quick to confront Vinny but he tells her they just want to be part of her life. She then marches to her brothers and demand they leave but as tension rises it's Ash that ends up storming off…

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Nicky alongside his co-star John Cleese on Fawlty Towers ©BBC

He went on to add, "For the last 18 years, I’ve regarded myself as ‘being in extra time’, which I never expected to have, so I’m very thankful for it."

The actor was first diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day 19 years ago and had an operation that removed the tumour. Unfortunately, a few years later he had a routine scan that revealed he had two more tumours. Ten years later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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Nicky is well known for his role on Fawlty Towers. During his time on EastEnders in 2006 he played Honey Mitchell's dad Jack. He's also starred on Coronation Street, The Bill and Heartbeat.

And speaking of EastEnders, this week Phil Mitchell jumps to conclusion and assumes Jack Branning is Sharon's baby daddyand sets out to get revenge with a gun...

Meanwhile Mick Carter decides to host his own nativity in the Vic, the Slaters are left stunned when they discover someone is buying their house and there's tension between Honey Mitchell and Karen Taylor.

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