EastEnders legend among Londoners celebrated with blue plaques at care home

Ten blue plaques have been unveiled in honour of stars including comedian Sir Norman Wisdom and EastEnders' legend Leslie Grantham at the Royal Variety Charity's care home. The ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Mike Read, took place on Saturday, June 22, at Brinsworth House, Twickenham, to celebrate a number of the home's past residents.

Sir Norman, who was famous for his roles in comedy films during the 1950s and 1960s, passed away in 2010 aged 95. Grantham, known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in EastEnders, died aged 71 in 2018.

Other celebrities honoured with plaques include impressionist Mike Yarwood, EastEnders actress Mona Hammond, Steve Clark from the Clark Brothers, and musical couple Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson. Married double-act Joy and Manny Francois, DJ Duncan Johnson, acrobat Serge Ganjou, and cellist Alexander "Bobby" Kok were also commemorated with a plaque.

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Giles Cooper, the chairman of the Royal Variety Charity, said: "The Royal Variety Charity residential and care home, Brinsworth House, has, for over a century, been a place of great joy for our residents. In the past, we have celebrated a number of those in our care with blue plaques, including Dame Thora Hird, Danny La Rue and John Inman."

He continued: "Now, it is time to formally acknowledge more entertainers, musicians and actors, who gave so much to national life over many decades."

Blue plaques are a way of honouring the lives and contributions of notable individuals who have lived or worked in the building where the plaque is placed. The Royal Variety Charity provides support to those who have had professional careers in the entertainment industry, and it also owns and operates a residential and nursing care home for elderly entertainers in London.

In May, it was announced that The King would be the new patron of this charity.

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