AN original EastEnders cast member has passed away at the age of 95 today- but his cause of death is still unknown.
Albert Square veteran Leonard Fenton, who famously played original cast member Dr Harold Legg, passed away on Saturday, according to his family.
A statement from his relatives 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."
He appeared in EastEnders in its very first episode, which aired on February 19, 1985, with his last scenes airing in 2019.
Read our Soaps live blog below for the latest news and gossip…
- Louis Allwood
Seven huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week
Get the lowdown on the next week’s drama in Emmerdale.
- Rhona gets a shock request
- The Woolpack gets a new owner
- Kim makes a big purchase
- Dawn’s ex makes a comeback
- Manpreet gets blamed for Meena’s crimes
- Cain rages at Belle and Ellis
- Ellis receives a surprise phone call
Read more about the spoilers here.
EastEnders viewers demand serial killer Gray Atkins storyline ends
EASTENDERS fans are demanding an end to Gray Atkins’ storyline after another twist put Chelsea Fox in harm’s way.
But since murdering his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi – the plot has returned to domestic abuse with Gray marrying Chelsea Fox.
However, fans are tired of the storyline and want it to end now.
One wrote: “How much longer is the Gray story going on for? #EastEnders.”
A second said: “This Gray storyline is still carrying on. Feels like it’s never going to end, the longer it goes on. #EastEnders.”
Another added: “This Gray storyline is even putting me off Chelsea, Whitney and Kheerat now. Make it stop. #EastEnders.”
EastEnders fans all saying the same thing after Kathy Beale terrorist comments
EASTENDERS fans have all said the same thing after Kathy Beale stopped grandson Bobby from marrying into a “family of terrorists”.
The businesswoman – who is played by actress Gillian Taylforth in the BBC soap – hit the roof tonight after discovering Bobby’s ex Dana’s brother Aaron was responsible for the bomb in the restaurant.
Bobby had confided in Peter, and come up with a plan to propose – leaving Kathy furious.
She stopped the proposal and humiliated the Monroes. As Harvey begged to speak to Kathy in private, she shut him down.
“You think you can wriggle out this again?” she said. “You’re nothing but a nasty little racist.”
She added: “Aaron for his ideas from somewhere – they don’t call them home grown terrorists for nothing.”
Turning to the restaurant customers she told them: “Yeah that’s right – this man’s son is the one who planted the device at the Argee Bhajee. He didn’t do it on his own, did he? Do you really think I’d let my grandson marry into a family of terrorists?”
- Joseph Gamp
EastEnders fans demand serial killer Gray Atkins storyline ends
EASTENDERS fans are demanding an end to Gray Atkins’ storyline after another twist put Chelsea Fox in harm’s way.
The serial killer – who is played by actor Toby-Alexander Smith in the BBC soap – has killed three people so far in the plot that began as a domestic abuse storyline.
But since murdering his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi – the plot has returned to domestic abuse with Gray marrying Chelsea Fox.
However she is now falling under his spell – despite knowing he’s a killer.
And tonight after Gray made a medical decision that saved baby son Jordan’s life – Chelsea has given up.
Walking in, Whitney told Chelsea: "Pack your stuff – you're going to stay at mine. You need to get out of here now, it's too dangerous."
But Chelsea told her: "Whitney I am drained. I cannot deal with this so please just go."
- Joseph Gamp
Who did Leonard Fenton play in EastEnders?
Leonard was best known for playing one of EastEnders original characters – Dr.Harold Legg and appeared in 267 episodes.
He appeared in the very first scene of the BBC series in 1985 when he was called to attend to a dying Reg Cox.
Leonard's character officially retired in 1999, but made cameos with the last being in 2019.
During his time in Walford he oversaw suicides, abortions and murders and Mark Fowler’s HIV storyline.
- Joseph Gamp
What was Leonard Fenton's cause of death?
Leonard's family confirmed the star's death on January 31, 2022, but an exact cause is yet to be revealed
In a statement they 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."
- Joseph Gamp
Who was Leonard Fenton?
The multi-talented Leonard Fenton was a British actor, director and painter who was born on the April 29, 1926.
His original birth name was Leonard Feinstein before he adopted Fenton as his stage name.
Raised in East London, Leonard attended Raine Foundation Grammar School before training to be a civil engineer at King's College London.
He was an army engineer during World War 2 which he continued to do for five years after until he decided on a career change.
Leonard discovered that his passion lay with acting and he was awarded a scholarship to London's prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
His career spans over fifty years and covers stage performances and TV and film credits.
- Joseph Gamp
Where are EastEnders’ Louise Mitchell actresses now?
WHENEVER Louise Mitchell has appeared in Albert Square serious drama has swiftly followed.
Over the years, four actresses have played the feisty fan favourite, with childhood custody rows, abuse, broken bones and an epic love triangle all keeping the nation gripped.
Rachel Cox was the first to appear as baby Louise way back in 2001. Kicking off a chain of events that would dominate Louise's life for the next decade, mum Lisa put husband Mark down as dad on Louise's birth certificate in a desperate bid to stop Phil Mitchell from realising he was her biological father.
We've taken a look at what happened when Louise returned as young girl and the actresses that followed
- Joseph Gamp
Matt Lucas pays tribute to Leonard Fenton
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas paid tribute to Leonard Fenton in a tweet.
He wrote: "Lovely Leonard Fenton has passed away.
"I grew up watching him in Auf Weidersehen, Pet and of course EastEnders.
" Was chuffed when I got to work with him a few years back."
- Joseph Gamp
EastEnders fans desperate for legend to return after Sam Mitchell’s comeback
EASTENDERS fans are desperate for Chrissie Watts to return following the news Sam Mitchell is making a comeback to Albert Square.
The murderer – who was played by Tracy Ann Oberman in the BBC soap – should be released from prison by now for Dirty Den's murder.
Chrissie cracked his skull in the Queen Vic's cellar and went on to frame Sam for the crime, before ultimately confessing and going to prison.
And fans want to see her clash with Sam once more.
One wrote: “Chrissie is a character I’d welcome back with open arms.
“I’d love to see her interactions with the modern incarnation of Sharon a.k.a Carbonara Killer.”
A second said: “Bring Chrissie back too! She is due out of prison by now.”
- Joseph Gamp
Who did Leonard Fenton play in EastEnders?
Leonard was best known for playing one of EastEnders original characters – Dr.Harold Legg and appeared in 267 episodes.
He appeared in the very first scene of the BBC series in 1985 when he was called to attend to a dying Reg Cox.
Leonard's character officially retired in 1999, but made cameos with the last being in 2019.
During his time in Walford he oversaw suicides, abortions and murders and Mark Fowler’s HIV storyline.
- Joseph Gamp
What was Leonard Fenton's cause of death?
Leonard's family confirmed the star's death on January 31, 2022, but an exact cause is yet to be revealed
In a statement they 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."
- Joseph Gamp
Who was Leonard Fenton?
The multi-talented Leonard Fenton was a British actor, director and painter who was born on the April 29, 1926.
His original birth name was Leonard Feinstein before he adopted Fenton as his stage name.
Raised in East London, Leonard attended Raine Foundation Grammar School before training to be a civil engineer at King's College London.
He was an army engineer during World War 2 which he continued to do for five years after until he decided on a career change.
Leonard discovered that his passion lay with acting and he was awarded a scholarship to London's prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
His career spans over fifty years and covers stage performances and TV and film credits.
- Joseph Gamp
Get all the latest gossip from Emmerdale Farm
- Visit our Emmerdale page for the latest gossip
- Find all Emmerdale spoilers here
Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter is ‘devastated’ over Chas Dingle twist
EMMERDALE star Lucy Pargeter is devastated her character Chas Dingle has lost The Woolpack.
The actress has played Woolpack landlady Chas for 18 years but this week will see the end of her time running the pub.
It is set to be auctioned off after Al Chapman blew it up hoping to force developers to turn it into swanky apartments. But now Lucy has told how both Chas and herself are devastated by the development.
She said: “She’s devastated. At least if Al bought it, she’d know it was going to be him, but now it’s up in the air.
“She’s got no idea if it’s going to be turned into flats or stay a pub. She’s losing her livelihood, she’s lost her home, and she doesn’t know who it’s going to go to.”
- Joseph Gamp
Seven huge Emmerdale spoilers for this week
Get the lowdown on the next week’s drama in Emmerdale.
- Rhona gets a shock request
- The Woolpack gets a new owner
- Kim makes a big purchase
- Dawn’s ex makes a comeback
- Manpreet gets blamed for Meena’s crimes
- Cain rages at Belle and Ellis
- Ellis receives a surprise phone call
Read more about the spoilers here.
EastEnders star James Farrar shares rare snap of baby
EASTENDERS star James Farrar has shared a rare snap of his baby after becoming a dad last year.
The 35-year-old, who plays Zack Hudson on the BBC soap, was out in Soho, London, with his little one.
James normally keeps his Instagram to work, events and modelling shots.But he posted a story with the tot who was born in November.
She arrived more than two weeks overdue – making James and Ali first-time parents.
The couple, who have been together for 12 years, had spent the days leading up to their child’s birth practising yoga in a bid to bring on labour.
The excited actor first revealed he was set to be dad in July of this year as he posed with Ali and her bump for a sweet mirror selfie
Fenton appeared in the very first EastEnders episode in 1985
Dr Legg was EastEnders’ original GP and appeared in the very first episode of the soap on February 19, 1985.
He appeared in a total of 267 episodes of EastEnders before leaving in 2019.
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.
How can fans watch old episodes of EastEnders?
It’s been 35 years since EastEnders first debuted on screens.
And now fans of the BBC One soap can take a trip down memory lane and binge-watch old episodes courtesy of Drama.
The UKTV-owned channel airs old episodes every week day at 1pm and 1.40pm.
Alternatively, fans can also catch up via the UKTV Play website – where you can stream episodes that have been recently shown.
As the soap celebrates another milestone birthday, why not take the opportunity to watch EastEnders’ longest-serving soap star Adam Woodyatt as a young Ian Beale, or to feast on episodes featuring the original EastEnders’ cast – from Michelle Fowler to Angie Watts.
Kathy Beale actress on Leonard Fenton's passing
Actress Gillian Taylforth 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.”
Leonard Fenton starred in 267 episodes of EastEnders
EASTENDERS star Leonard Fenton, best known for his role as Dr Harold Legg, has died aged 95.
The actor appeared in a whopping of 267 episodes of the popular soap.
- Joseph Gamp
BBC statement on Leonard Fenton's passing
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."
Leonard appeared in a total of 267 episodes of EastEnders.
- Joseph Gamp
EastEnders actor Leonard Fenton dies aged 95
Actor Leonard Fenton, who played Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, has died at the age of 95.
He appeared in EastEnders in its very first episode, with his last scenes airing in 2019.
A statement from his family 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."
- Louis Allwood
Danniella Westbrook reveals career change
The former soap actress – who played Sam in BBC One’s EastEnders – was cast aside as Kim Medcalf was cast as her old character in a reprise of the role.
Danniella, 48, lashed out over the weekend and threatened legal action against the broadcaster following the casting announcement.
Defending her right to play the lap-dancer, the actress wrote on Twitter that her “legal team would be in touch” with the BBC over the row.
“Wishing Kym the best of luck at EastEnders, yet again this poor woman has to recreate a Samantha Mitchell as close to my last two recent comebacks on the Square,” Danniella penned.
“Go smash it darling. Oh but not to @bbceastenders, my legal team will be in touch,” she continued, before revealing her latest career venture.
“Bet you all can’t wait for my new book now can you,” Danniella said as she confirmed that she was busy writing her autobiography on Saturday night.
“Oh it’s going go way back to the things I’ve never told.”
The new book will be the third penned by Danniella – who previously wrote The Other Side Of Nowhere and Faith, Hope and Clarity.
- Louis Allwood
Maisie Smith and Kai Widdrington caught getting cosy on tour
They were pictured in the same week that Kai, 26, and Nadiya Bychkova, 32, were caught kissing in a hotel – seemingly confirming rumours they were in a romance.
But EastEnders actress, Maisie, 20, has formed her own bond with the pro dancer, as these pics of them outside their hotel show.
She was paired with Kai on the tour after his partner on last year’s series, AJ Odudu, injured her foot.
Maisie danced on the show in 2020 with Gorka Márquez and was linked to fellow competitor Hrvy, 23. But their romance quickly fizzled out.
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