Leslie Grantham Dead: Ex-‘EastEnders’ Stars Lead Tributes To Soap Actor

'He was a lovely guy who I adored working with.'
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Former ‘EastEnders’ stars including Tracy Ann Oberman have shared tributes to Leslie Grantham, after the actor’s death on Friday morning.

Shortly after the news was confirmed by Leslie’s representative, many of his former co-stars began sharing their condolences online.

Tracy, who starred as ‘Dirty’ Den Watts’ second wife Chrissie, wrote: “Really sorry to hear about Leslie Grantham. A very very good actor and one who created an iconic character with Dirty Den.”

Really sorry to hear about Leslie Grantham. A very very good actor and one who created an iconic character with Dirty Den #RIPLeslieG

— Tracy Ann Oberman (@TracyAnnO) June 15, 2018

Michael Cashman, who worked with Leslie on ‘EastEnders’ also tweeted his condolences, pointing out that the actor was also something of an activist, supporting the fight against Section 28.

EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham, best known as rogue "Dirty Den” in the BBC One soap, has died aged 71. Sad news. He was a lovely guy who I adored working with for 3 years. He was also a great supporter against Section 28.

— Michael Cashman (@mcashmanCBE) June 15, 2018

Craig Fairbrass, who played Dan Sullivan in the soap, wrote: “Absolutely gutted to hear this - I remember my early days in @bbceastenders & thinking he was such a strong role model for anyone going in playing a villain great actor v natural which is the key.” [sic]

EastEnders star Leslie Grantham dies, agent confirms/Absolutely gutted to hear this - I remember my early days in @bbceastenders & thinking he was such a strong role model for anyone going in playing a villain great actor v natural which is the key https://t.co/q8bpiPO7AM pic.twitter.com/BXBo9DUxwc

— Craig Fairbrass (@craigfairbrass) June 15, 2018

The current executive consultant at ‘EastEnders’, John Yorke, also shared kind words in a statement issued to HuffPost UK.

He said: “Everyone at ‘EastEnders’ is deeply saddened to hear that Leslie has passed away.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

It wasn’t just his fellow soap stars who had good things to say either and Melinda Messenger shared a throwback snap to her and Leslie’s ‘Fort Boyard’ days:

So sad to hear about the passing of Lesley Grantham, we worked together for 5 years on Fort Boyard, sending much love to his family & friends xxxxx pic.twitter.com/txxMnHB8BY

— Melinda Messenger (@melindamessnger) June 15, 2018

Anthony Costa and actor Adil Ray were also among those to post online:

Just heard the news my friend and ex panto colleague #LeslieGrantham has passed ..RIP big man ...loved working with ya in panto...you made me laugh and I learnt a lot from you too..absolutely gutted... you was West Ham ..I am spurs but that didn’t matter .x

— Antony Costa (@AntonyCosta) June 15, 2018

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of actor Leslie Grantham who has died aged 71. pic.twitter.com/tIKGRx8aDE

— Lorraine (@lorraine) June 15, 2018

What a life Leslie Grantham led. Brilliant character in EE. He was proof of how you can turn your life around. He was kind enough to give me some nutrition advice last summer too! Rest in peace. Thoughts with Leslie’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/P1WjxlT5am

— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) June 15, 2018

RIP Leslie Grantham. So many laughs. So many memories 🙏🏾 💔

— michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) June 15, 2018

Rest in peace Leslie Grantham; an inconic character in Eastenders and Fort Boyard. May he always be remembered. 🙏

— Paul Manners (@paulm_official) June 15, 2018

Leslie was best-known for playing ‘Dirty’ Den Watts in ‘EastEnders’, winning over legions of fans with his two stints as the villainous character.

He also presented ‘Crystal Maze’-like gameshow ‘Fort Boyard’ for three years, and made numerous Christmas pantomime appearances over the years.

Just days before Leslie’s death, his representative confirmed that the actor had been taken ill, though the specific nature of his illness was not made public.

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