EastEnders Actor Leslie Grantham Passed Away on Friday morning, was known to millions of viewers for his role as adulterous Queen Vic landlord Dirty Den. More than 30 million viewers tuned in to see Den Watts serve divorce papers to wife Angie (Anita Dobson) in the famous episode on Christmas Day 1986, with the words “Happy Christmas, Ange”.
Leslie Grantham returned in 2003 before leaving for good two years later, following a tabloid scandal. Tributes have been paid by his EastEnders co-stars. Anita Dobson, who played Den’s first wife Angie, said she was “deeply shocked and saddened”.
His agent said he died on Friday morning and that a private funeral will be held. The announcement of his death follows news earlier this week that Leslie Grantham had returned to the UK to receive medical treatment.
EastEnders executive consultant John Yorke told the BBC News: “Everyone at EastEnders is deeply saddened to hear that Leslie Grantham passed away. “We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.” Dobson said in a statement: “I loved working with Leslie and I will never forget our time together on EastEnders.”
