DIRTY DEN HIT BY CURSE OF THE KRAYS
EastEnders legend Leslie Grantham was desperately trying to resurrect his career when he was struck by the curse of the Krays. The actor, 71, was fighting for life in hospital last night, days after completing
filming for low-budget Brit flick The Krays: Dead Man Walking.
Leslie dreamed it would catapult him back to household fame after years away in Bulgaria, insiders said last night.
But like many who came in contact with the East End gangster brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray, his health took a sudden downward turn.
No details of his illness have been released but the shock news stunned pals.
A devastated friend revealed: “He was happy to be home in England and had hoped this was going to put him back in the spotlight. He was ready to return to acting with a bang but it seems like he’s been cursed.”
It is the second time in a month that an EastEnders icon has fallen prey to serious health problems.
Barbara Winsdor, who also had historic ties to The Krays, has Alzheimer’s. She had a one-night stand with Reggie and had a longer affair with his older brother Charlie.
Leslie plays famous policeman Nipper Read, who arrested the notorious twins in 1968.
It also stars former EastEnders star Nicholas Ball, who played violent gangster Terry Bates, and Queen Vic babe Rita Simons, who was Roxy Mitchell.