Eastenders’ Dirty Den dies at age of 71

Actor Leslie Grantham, who played ‘Dirty’ Den Watts in Eastenders, has died aged 71.

His death comes days after he was reported to be in a critical condition in the UK, having returned from Bulgaria where he had been living.

The screen star had been reportedly visited in hospital by close friends in the industry.

He left the UK after splitting with his wife of 31 years, Jane.

In 2010, he spent time in Bulgaria filming TV series The English Neighbour.

A statement from his representative said: “We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10:20am on the morning of Friday, 15 June 2018.

“His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time and for there to be no approaches to them for information or comment.”

The statement added: “There will be a private funeral, which will be attended by close family and friends only.”

Grantham shot to fame playing Watts in Eastenders, originally from 1985 to 1989.

A 1986 Christmas Day episode drew an audience of more than 30 million viewers, who watched as Watts handed over divorce papers to onscreen wife Angie.