EASTENDERS actress June Brown has led the tributes to her co-star Leonard Fenton following his death aged 95.

June, 94, who played Dot Cotton – a regular patient of Dr Legg in the soap – remembered working alongside the veteran star, describing him as “charming”.

She said in a statement: "I first met Leonard as Dr Legg when I joined the cast of EastEnders as Dot, his hypochondriac patient, in 1985. He was a charming man in all ways, first as a person and then as an actor, extremely polite and kind.

"I enjoyed working with him enormously for many years and missed him when he retired. I was glad that I'd been with him for his last scene with Dot at his bedside and my thoughts are with his devoted family."

Other members of the cast have also remembered Leonard, with Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia,  saying: "I had the pleasure to work with Leonard. He was utterly charming, continuously joked with me and loved talking about his past.

“I feel honoured that our paths crossed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

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Actress Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale,  said: "I'm so sorry to hear the very sad news about Leonard. He was a lovely, charming man who was so kind and always told the most wonderful stories. I send my love and condolences to his family. RIP dear Leonard."

It was revealed today that Walford regular Leonard has died at the age of 95.

Final scene

Leonard appeared in EastEnders in its very first episode, with his last scenes airing in 2019.

He appeared in a total of 267 episodes of EastEnders.

During his time in Walford he oversaw suicides, abortions and murders and Mark Fowler’s HIV storyline.

But he failed to diagnose Vicki Fowler’s meningitis and to tell Colin Russell of his multiple sclerosis.

He left Walford in 1997 when he was replaced as the Square’s doctor by Fred Fonseca.

His final scene saw his character die from a terminal illness with Dot by his side.

In moving scenes, the pair reminisced about some of their most poignant memories together.

Family memories

A statement from Leonard's family today said: "The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard's acting career spanned more than 60 years.

"He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.

"His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him. He will be missed beyond words by his family. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be with him as his health worsened towards the end – a privilege denied to so many during these tough times."

An EastEnders spokesperson added: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Leonard has passed away. Since appearing in the very first episode of EastEnders, Leonard created a truly iconic character in Doctor Legg who will always be remembered. Our love and thoughts are with Leonard's family and friends."

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