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.
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His family confirmed the star’s death today.
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.
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“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.”
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.
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.
He left Walford in 1997 when he was replaced as the Square’s doctor by Fred Fonseca.
Fenton was born in London and originally trained to be a civil engineer at King’s College London.
He was conscripted as an army engineer during World War II before deciding to become an actor.
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