Actor Leonard Fenton, best known for his role as Doctor Harold Legg in EastEnders, has died aged 95.
As Dr. Legg, Leonard appeared on the BBC soap from its inception in 1985 until 1997, returning for brief stints in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2018 until 2019 when his character was killed off.
He appeared in a total of 267 episodes of the hit BBC programme.
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.”
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.”
Fans were heartbroken by the doctors' exit in 2019.
His character reached the ripe old age of 98 but pancreatic cancer killed him off.
With his last moments nearing, Dr Legg returned to Albert Square to spend his last hours with long-time friend Dot Cotton.
Legend Dot played a DVD documentary of The Battle of Cable Street, a protest in London's East End, which the character had been involved in, back in 1936.
One sadden fan tweeted after the scene three years ago: "I've watched EastEnders since 1999 and it's only made me cry once. Tonight is the second time. I couldn't help it. So terribly sad, but it was done to perfection. Bravo"
Lord Sugar tweeted a tribute after discovering the sad news.
He posted: "Very sorry to hear that Dr Legg from @bbceastenders has passed on. The question is who will the new doctor be. Dot Cotton needs a doctor."
