EastEnders cast attend Dr Legg star Leonard Fenton’s funeral
EastEnders cast members both past and present were in attendance at Leonard Fenton’s funeral.
Actors including John Altman, Tom Watt, Linda Davidson, Steve McFadden and Peter Dean were pictured arriving for the service in north London on Wednesday ( February 9).
John, Tom and Peter were original cast members of the long-running serial drama, playing Nick Cotton, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway and Pete Beale respectively.
Linda made her EastEnders debut shortly after the show commenced in 1985, popping up as Mary the Punk in the fifth episode. She left the show three years, but made a return for Dr Legg’s funeral in 2019.
Leonard played Walford GP Dr Harold Legg across various stints in the BBC One soap, making his first appearance in the show’s first episode.
He would feature regularly until 1997, before leaving the Square.
The character returned for several guest appearances in 2000, 2004 and 2007, before making one final comeback in 2018.
Dr Legg’s final stint in the Square saw him visit old pal Dot Branning (June Brown), who was by his side when he died in 2019.
Leonard died last month at the age of 95.
A statement at the time read: ‘The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29th,’ a statement read.
‘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.
Paying tribute to her co-star, Dot Cotton icon June Brown, MBE OBE, said at the time: ‘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.’
Kathy Beale star Gillian Taylforth, who also appeared in the very first edition of the soap, wrote: ‘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.’
Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, also payed tribute to Leonard, 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.’
EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
Source: Read Full Article